Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Well my fiance is getting banded, and i wanted to join this board to start reading up on this stuff, just so if she needs to talk to someone about it, i'll be able to lend a knowlegable ear on the subject, and be able to understand what she might be going through. I might be poking around here and there and asking some questions, maybe i'll even start to be able to help other people on the board with the information i've collected. I just want her to know that im 100% behind her on this, and i want to be with her every step of the way.

Just wanted to say hello to everyone and tell you how much help this forum has been. I've been lurking around for a long time reading everything I can about the lapband. Have been researching it for about 2 years. The actual journey, starting with a seminar in Aug. '06, and will be realized on Feb. 12th. I'm very lucky that my insurance will cover surgery or I probably wouldn't be able to afford it. Retired teachers usually aren't rolling in money. I'll try not to bore you with too many details. Been overweight, and undertall, most of my life. Would like to loose about half a person. For 32 years I taught in NY State then retired to FL with DH, the dog and cat. …

Hi everyone, My name is Michelle (BMI 43.6) and I live in a little suburb outside of Chicago. I just went to my first seminar and I have decided to go ahead and be lapbanded. I am waiting for my first appt. with Dr. Bonomo at Mercy Hospital in Chicago, to start my long road that leads to a happy, healthy life. I hope to make friends with others who have had, waiting to have, or thinking about having lapband!!! If you have had Dr. Bonomo write me and let me know what you like and dislike about him or his program, I would appreciate it so much!!!! I think it's terrific you all support each other and are there to listen, and I hope to be apart of all of this.

I am coming to the end of the process before I can get a surgery date. I have an EGD scheduled for Friday and my Medical Clearance exam next Tuesday. Since I am a self-pay, I should get a surgery date pretty soon after all that. But, I still have a lot of concerns. After reading a lot of the posts here, I'm afraid the band won't work. I've been on a self-imposed 1100 calorie a day diet since New Years and haven't lost very much. What if the band doesn't work? Do you still have food cravings? Some people seem to have a lot of pain and others not so much. Also, since I'm paying for this myself, what if there are complications? I know the insurance doesn't cover it if th…

Hi All, I have my surgery scheduled for Feb 22nd, I have so many question!! I have a co-worker that had it done and she has done really well, although she was only 196 when she had it done. I'm at 285, so I have a lot further to go than she did. Can you give me a list of foods that you absolutely cannot eat? And what did you eat the first month? Thanks to everyone for your help!

Hello everyone, My name is Allysia and I am currently a sophomore @ Wright State University in Ohio. I'm just a beginner on the lap band journey. Next week I go see my hometown doctor to talk to him about it. I'm hoping this journey will go pretty smoothly (atleast as well as i am seeing it in my mind)...I'm 5'7"-5'8" with a BMI of 49 so i'm praying insurance and all else will follow through....

Hello. I got my band placed in Oct. 06. Things have been going ok. Recently I found myself eating way too much and the weight loss has stopped. I've lost 20 lbs. so far, but I expected much more. I go for my second fill tomorrow, so hopefully the doctor will reassure me that I'm doing ok. I am from St. Louis, MO and my surgery was done by Dr. Van Wagner. The surgery went smooth and I haven't had any side effects. I'm just frusted how everything has stopped. You invest so much money and stress, you expect results. I know it will come, I just have to be patient. Anyway, I'm glad to have found a support group. I am hoping this will help. Have a great week!

Hi all - OK, I made the jump from "lurking" about, reading and not posting to registering. Who knows - maybe I'll be able to help someone out as I've found this site to be SUPER helpful to me. Banded 10/13/06 Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, Mexico First Fill 12/1/06 1.8cc 2nd Fill 1/15/07 .8cc

Ok, I'm 4 days out and feeling a little depressed and wondering if it is all worth it. The pain and soreness is subsiding, but I'm not used to being incapacitated this long. I'm also HUNGRY! I haven't eaten since Dec 31st. broth and Jello just taste like dirt now. 2 days after surgery, my face broke out with the nastiest fungus. I look awful! I went to see the doctor who told me to see my primary care doctor. Maybe that is normal, but I hadn't heard that from anybody else. Maybe I just whining....

Hi All, I will be having my surgery sometime in the end of February I hope. Just one more meeting with the surgeon. I am a little aprehensive.. but excited too. This has been a huge decision for me, since I have 2 children to think about. I am a little nervous about the after part and if I will be successful at this. I have not had very good success with any other weight loss plan in the past. Please someone give me their input. Thanks so much. Yvonne

I have finally reached an appt with the surgeon. After the initial visits and phsych reviews, 5% weight loss and numerous blood tests...the day will finally be here on 2/5. I thought I was ready but I find myself getting more and more nervous lately over it. I know I definitely still want to go through with the lapband surgery but it is becoming a reality now. I only started 2 1/2 months ago and when I first went in they said it could be 6 months to a year before I am at this stage...I am glad it wasn't that long, but now I am more anxious to have this part over and start my new lifestyle. I heard it should only be about 6 weeks after this initial visit with the s…

I have seen the Psycologist one time which was 5 weeks ago. She wanted me to come in for another consultation. I asked why and she told me that their were guidelines that needed to be mett before she would approve me for surgery. I asked her what the problem was and she said she would have to get back with me on that. This doctor has dragged this out for over 6 weeks now and I feel like she is holding me hostage. Friday I asked her if she would please call me back with my chart to help me understand why she will not pass me through, she never called me . I feel like I am going to get stuck with her for months of psycotherapy and not be able to follow through with the surg…

Hello everyone: I am in the process of getting my requirements together so Dr. Woodman's office can send it all into the insurance company. I have seen the Nutritionist, the Pschye doc, seen Cindi, advised pcp to transfer copies of my records, asked pcp to send in comorbidities and referral. Now I am waiting. I guess I will wait a week and call Dr. Woodman's office and see where I am. So I guess I am on my way?? :clap2: Hope to get the surgery and loss 75 to a 100 lbs. Anyone else out there trying to do the same thing? Buffy

Hi everyone. 3-1/2 days post-op and pretty sore but feeling ok. Just wish I could get rid of this headache. After the first 36 hours, it seems like the band tighted up or something.... maybe swelling set in?? The first day didn't have any trouble getting anything down. now can hardly get water down. I did get most of one protein shake down today and about 1/2 cup of cream of potatoe soup. Just a sip or two and a pain in the center of my chest where I assume the band is. Everything sound pretty normal about this? Think maybe the headach is from not getting enough calories the past 2 days but not sure.

Hi, glad to be here. Went to Psych eval. today went very well. They approved me for surgery, so far everyone has been very supportive. When I left the mental health clinic I stopped by the Bariatic Clinic to drop off some paperwork from my PCP that I just got on Friday, that is where things went down hill. I ask for them to check my file to make sure that everything was in order. The woman that deals with that came from the back with my chart and she acted less that happy to see me. She opened my chart and said that I don't have a lot in there, alot of labs as she fanned though the pages. I ask he she received my records from the the other two doctors I had requested them…

Okay so I am going for my first consult on Feb. 5th. It was suppose to be today but the doctor had emergency surgery so I got bumped. I am pretty bummed as I believe that I have made up my mind and I am ready to do this. I am so afriad that I am going to loose my courage soon if I do not get this process started. So from initial consult until actual day of surgery what is the normal waiting time frame. I have already talked with my insurance company and they cover the surgery 100%. So I do not think I should have any insurance hang ups. Anyone who could tell me what to expect from day one and on I would really appriciate it. I am just ready to start a whole new healthy li…

hello everyone i just found this site. I am being banded 2-26-07 by dr jose rodriguez in mexico. I am trying to find out all i can so i will not have to stuggle so much and so i will be aware of everything i need to be aware of. I want to mentally prepare. misty

Hey everyone... I am here looking for more information, advice and support. I'm really looking forward to getting to know you! Thanks! Penni, NC

Hey all, I underwent the lap-band procedure on December 26, 2006 by Dr. Collier in Houston, Texas. I have been doing well, it is just taking my big incision forever to heal and over the last couple of days has started to hurt. I have lost around 20 pounds (not too sure because my scale went caput) but all my clothes are fitting better. I am excited to get my first fill, though I am a bit nervous. I feel like I can eat like I should, but not like I want to. I am having a hard time because I mentally want to eat more, but I physically can't. I can eat more than I expected. I guess this will change after my first fill. Keep on Keeping on, Ginger

I want to have the lap band surgery and I hope I might get scheduled for as soon as next month. I have my psychology visit tomorrow and that is the only thing I need. So wish me luck. I've never done anything like this before. I'm 5'7 and 240lbs, with high blood pressure and bad genetics, so I think for my health I need to do this. Jen

Hi - I was banded 11/29/06 (2 days after my "first" birthday) by Dr. Benavides in Richardson, TX (DFW area). NOTHING available in New Mexico except RNY, and I just didn't want to be hacked up. My insurance, BCBS of NM, doesn't pay for anything but the RNY - go figure! I almost went to Mexico, but chickened out - Dr. B was more expensive, but, as a self-pay, my fills (under fluoro) for the first year are included. Got my first fill 2 Jan 07 and have been having PB 3 - 4 times a week since. SOOO glad I found this site and now know I'm not (totally) crazy. It was frustrating that something that went down no problemo one time made me hurt & puke the next. Now, I'm goi…

Hi, I'm new. I was banded last week by Dr Ballantyne in Hackensack New Jersey. It doesn't bother me too much, but my wife is very worried if we will ever share a normal meal again. What has been your experience? Additionally, I lost thirteen pounds the first seven days, is this normal?

Hi all...on my third day of full liquids pre op. Banding coming up on Thursday, the 18th. I have lots of different feelings, mainly excited to start my new journey and to finally be able to lose this extra 100lbs that has been on me forever....:clap2:

Hi, I was diagnosed with Bipolar in my early twenties - I'm 39 now so I've managed to survive it for quite a while - I never thought I'd reach 30! I was a rapid cycler - up n down every 2 weeks. I'm on Lamictal so I don't get the highs anymore and the big lows are a thing of the past - but they do go hand in hand - anyhoo - I'm left somewhere in no mans land - stable but not quite returned to normal mood. I miss the highs but being a mum comes first. It would be selfish and dangerous to stop the meds but I've thought about it, being constantly down isn't much fun. I think the best thing is trying to accept it - accept that it won't just go away and to just try and c…

Hi Everyone! This site totally rocks! I have found sooooo much information. I am scheduled to be banded on 27 January and am very excited but also nervous. My doctor is Dr. Rumbaut in Monterrey.

Hello, everyone. I just wanted to take a minute to introduce myself. I'm being banded this Friday, 1/19/07! I'm so excited. My doctor is Dr. Jaime Ricardo Ramos Kelly. He is located in Tijuana, MX. His website is www.obesitybusters.com. I'm so thrilled and I cannot wait to get rid of this extra weight. I'm just a little nervous about the recovery and retraining my brain with the actual eating aspect of this. Anyway, I'm Amy!

Hello all....I'm new to this site and just had my banding done just over a week ago. So was looking for some online support to keep in touch with other banders. I live in Michigan and would really like to find some live support groups in my area. Hope everyone has great success and look forward to being in contact with some of you.

Hi Everyone First of all I would like to say what a god send finding this site has been to me. I have been a member for a while just reading and finding out as much as I can. I want to do something about my weight problem but like many others on this forum, it simply is not just about weight and food. I'm a compulsive eater who has calmed down alot over the last few months. I am starting to try and LIVE, to not put my life on hold until I am slim and i have come quite far with it but I am struggling with my body image and becoming at peace with it. After not daring to look in a full length mirror for years, during the summer months of last year I tried soooooo hard…

Okay, so I tried doing the dieting thing, figuring if I could just stay on that for a bit... Yeah, didn't work. Adding Protein shakes to my diet (I tried substituting meals with Protein Shakes, but I just couldn't not EAT), I gained weight. All my sweatshirts are tight. And I know I didn't shrink them all in the wash. So, I'm sucking it up. I'm going to pursue getting banded. I don't want to leave it in long term though, so I'm wondering if the insurance will pay for band removal once I'm at my goal weight. I've heard that there are some nasty long-term complications and some doctors are now refusing to band people. And that has me worried. I don't know what the lon…

I was banded last Friday(January 12) and one day later, I am in intense pain from gaslike symptoms. I feel the gas travelling all throughout my chest and abdomen and its a horrible feeling. In addition to this gas pain, I have pain in my incision sites. Is all of this normal and when will I start to feel better again? I am taking gas x but it doesn't seem to help. Please give me advice on what to do!:think

Hi Ive been recomended this site by sugarplum who is a lapbander for several months , she doing great with the weaght loss, and is a good ambassador for Lapbanding. I am looking into the possiblity of having myself banded , so am going to look into this in more detail. Tony.:nervous

Hello everyone, I am a newbie to this and I am having a hard time to decide if I will be doing the lap band or the rny. I am also scared but I am sure that is no surprise to anyone that has gone thru this. My consultation date is Jan24th. I have my psych eval and letter from my pcp so this is my last step I think before my surgery. I am 5'6" weight 275 BMI 43.3 Have been overweight since my last child 34 years ago. I had never had a weight problem before that. But the pounds have piled on thru the years and I have tried all the diets, fads, and so on. Looking forward to hearing from anyone that can give me some insight. Ginger:guess

Hi all, I am considering Lap Band surgery, my neighbor had it about a year ago and he looks great, my biggest concern is the port, it sticks out of his chest like a half inch, you can see the bump in the middle of his chest through his shirt, it looks like a cist, are there any options to this? I am going to a seminar soon here in Cincinnati and really want to be prepared with questions for them, any suggestions? Also, does anyone have recomendations in this area for surgeons, good reps, bad reps, I have gone through many threads here and on other sites and havent seen any posts from around here (Cincinnati, Ohio) So if all you southern Buckeyes could lend me a hand I w…

Hi everyone, just found you and checking things out. Going through the pre-op stuff and working hard to lose those few presurgery lbs. I know a lot of local people who have had the by-pass but I'm out here alone going for the band in my area. Nice to know you are all here! will check in later when I get a little further along. at the moment my biggest "dread" is the drive to the city, the trip seems much worse than the surgery!!it's a long haul but I'm sure it will be worth it.

Hello to everyone. I was approved for gastric bypass surgery. I met with a different surgeon in NC and I have decided to have lap band instead. I hope to have a surgical date by the end of Feb.07 :clap2: Visiting this site was such a blessing. The before and after pics were awsome.

why is smart food popcorn not a good food choice.

Hi eveyone I have never done this before. I had my band fitted in November 2006 and have lost nearly 3st. The trouble I am having is I have keep cravings for biscuits. The only problem with this is I never touch them in the past. Plus they don't agree with me and causes me alot of pain. I have been told that I'm fighting the band. I'm just wondering if anyone else has had the same problem, and how they got over it. Dilly:help:

Hello, I'm new to this so I may need help communicating

Phoenix area looking for best doctor? And cost web sits dont show cost! Going to Free meeting Jan 21 Are you happy with discision,? Why not bypass?

OMG! I am so excited! It was much better than I expected... I was so scared of being put to sleep, I almost backed out at the last minute! But I want this too much. Was in some discomfort but not much. I'm not the hero type that won't take pain pills..LOL. I feel pretty good this morning, the incision where he put in the port is definitely the most sore but I'm up moving around and about to have my first Protein shake. Will keep in touch. Thanks to all for the responses the past few days.

I've just found this wonderful forum, and have my surgical consult/psyc eval/dietician appt coming up on 1/10/07. I'm really fighting the urge to cancel this appt. My weight has fluctuated for the past 17 yrs from 185-225. My problem is compulsive overeating. I can do wonderfully with a diet/exercise program for about 3 mos - loose weight - then something sends me right back to my destructive binging/sedentary behaviors. This has been my cycle for all these years. I'm sure I have a whole area of emotional issues that I have not yet had the time or energy to explore, and I keep thinking that maybe I sould try to work on these before going the surgery route. I kno…

Everyone, I haven't had surgery yet Iam still thinking about it. Just wondering what foods do you miss? Thats really the only thing (besides the insurance) holding me back. Why am I having these ups and downs? The only thing that keeps my sprit up is my husband and yall's before and after pictures. Speaking of pictures, I want to see more new ones. Thanks! ~Carmille

I am looking for your favorite protein drink. I am pre-op and want to investigate and find my favorites before my surgery. Any information would be greatly appreciated.:help: :help:

Hi All, I was banded on August 31,2006 in Port Jervis by Dr. Kwon. To date I have lost 65 pounds. I had a bad attack that I thought was something getting stuck, but it turned out I needed emergency gall bladder removal. Is this common with the band? Thanks and good luck to all. Fran

Hi Everyone :huggie: I received my surgery date today, Feb. 12th ! I am so excited and ready for this. While at my appointment today, I met a real nice woman named Kirsten who recently got the lapband herself. While waiting in the room, we were talking and she told me all about this forum. She told me how supportive and great it is, so i decided to join! I'm happy that i did. I will be having my surgery at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) in Boston, Mass. Hopefully she will read this post - Thanks again!!

Hello all! I'm new to this but here I go... I've been overweight all my life, but after my first pregnancy it went down hill....:cry I tried EVERYTHING from weight watchers to gyms, to meds:( ..I did loose 40 pounds but that was during my last pregnancy through which I was a gestational diabetic. ( I was very controled them because my child's life was on the line.) Once my son was born (VERY HEALTHY) I held the weight off for almost a year and then my thyroid and PCOD ended that... My Lap-Band experience began in September of 2006 and my surgery is scheduled for January 26th (16 days away:rockon: )...What can I say...I've lost 20 pounds in the interim (following the diet …

Hello everyone, I am new to the group; but being banded on the 2nd of February. I am very excited but a little nervous about weeks 1 & 2 post-op. I'm feeling like I am going to be sooooooo very hungry. Any advice on getting past this hurdle!!!:lost1.5lbs:

I am looking into the band and it seems great and its seems to be for me! I battled my weight all my life, been on all the diets including prescription drugs. I am 5'4 (small frame) with a 36 BMI...so I do not "qualify" to get banded in the US. I have been looking into Canada and Mexico and people seem to have good experiences. But living right in the middle of Ohio does help me if I would need a fill if my doctor is a $400-$600 plane ride away (that would add up). I have researched the fill centers but there does not seem to be one close to me. Does anyone live in Ohio, got thier band out of the country, but gets fills back in Ohio...or anyone one in a similar situ…

Hello, I'm new to all of this soooo here it goes. I have been approved for my lapband surgery and I have completed all of presurgical requirements but the surgeon/hospital I'm having it done at is just poking around. They say their waiting for the new "language" to cross over for the new year from my insurance company. The insurance co says their just waiting on them for a date so what is the problem. I have a hard time getting the coordinator to return any calls/emails. :help: I guess I'm not sure sure how far I should push them. I feel that I'm bothering them. I'm ready!!! :nervous Lets get with it. Any suggestions!!!

Well, I think I've decided that lap banding is for me. I just turned 40 and have been getting steadily larger for the past 20 years. I'm the largest now that I have every been - BMI over 50 - have sleep aphnea, diabetes (I take insulin 6 times a day), asthma and all the aches and pains that go along with being over 300lbs. I have a 20 month old daughter and have come to the realization that Iwill not be around for much of her life if I don't do something soon. I've read tons about pre/post surgery and have read lots of journals, which continue to awe. I'm so amazed that people take the time and energy to share there experiences - good and bad - and offer encouragment t…