Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Wow, it is here. That is if all goes well, with my pretesting today. I cant imagine anything going wrong. I got my psyc eval yesterday. That was a close one. My shrink had gone on vacation, and yesterday was his first day back. Luckily my son had an appointment, and his plane was late, so, l took his. My only concerns is that l have called the doctors office a few times without a response back. I am self pay, and they have the money already. I kinda feel like l am not important anymore. I hope they are just busy. I am in Arkansas and will be at St Vincents for the surgery. They did tell me too, that since l am self pay, l could go home after surgery. Only ins…

Got my approval yesterday :clap2: , I called today and scheduled my procedure for 2/23. I'm ready to do this tomorrow, but I want to fully understand all the $$ issues. With 3 kids I'm reluctant to commit to anything until I have a firm grasp of the financials. I'm doing it either way I just don't want to switch docs, since mine is out of network (70/30 compared to 90/10). I'm not really nervous about the procedure-I've tried for the past 15 years and all I do is put on another 10 lbs annually; I'm just worried :phanvan that I will be one of those who it doesn't work for. I'm only telling my hubby,parents & sis. Everybody else can just guess until I know if it works…

i love forums. when i got a pug, i was obsessed with a pug forum. the information you get is just amazing. and now, after weeks of research, i decided on lap band so i found a lap band forum! even though i know i want this, i know i can't get it done here in NV. insurance doesn't cover it. i have been especially lucky in the sense that i don't have any health issues... but how long can that last? i am 5'1 and over 200lbs. i have been on weight watchers for 7 months and have lost 15lbs. i am practically a vegetarian - no red meat, no dairy. my life consists of veggie burgers, whole grains and sugar free. and yet... no real weight loss. i am at the point in my lif…

Hi, My name is Trish, and I have just been approved for the Lap Band. I have an excellent doctor, and while I am excited, feeling nervous, as I have read all of the good and bad on the website so far. I am curious to find out the following: After I have the surgery I am to be on a clear liquid diet for the first week. Will I feel hungry? Has anyone felt weak? HELP!:phanvan

HI, I'M YVONNE AND I'M BEING BANDED ON TUE 28TH NOV 06, IN GLASGOW. I'VE BEEN WAITING A YEAR FOR THIS ON THE NHS. LOOKING FORWARD TO CHATTING WITH YOU AND SHARING EXPERIENCES AND LAUGHS ALONG THE WAY. LOVE, YVONNE X:hippie:

I have read a lot of postings on this site, some that excite me, some that scare me and some that make me want to cry. I am still debating getting this procedure but needed more input from anyone that has been there. My Husband is not keen on the idea and my kids are pretty neutral and as you can tell I am still on the fence looking for answers. I am looking for the good, the bad and the ugly from anyone that wants to share. Thanks Bebopp40:help:

Hi all I am new to the site. Joined yesterday. I am on my third day of my Pre-op liquids. I am scheduled to b banded Jan 22 at Rush by Dr. Meyers. I am excited and nervous. I just don't want that sagging skin that my friend with GB has. I was told if I work out drink plenty of Water and lift weights it won't be as bad. I am not flabby as it is. I am very solid and firm. I welcom your thoughts. Also cna somebody tell me how to do my progress chart on my signature. Thanks

Hi everybody. I have not been banded yet, my consultation is in Memphis next week:clap2: and I am really looking forward to it. I want to have my surgery as soon as I can. I just wanted to say hi to everyone:biggrin1: .

Hi I'm Sara from Freehold New Jersey. I was banded on August 17, 2006 and I'm absolutely thrilled with it. It really hasen't stopped me from doing anything at all. I even went on a cruise two months after the surgery. I probably should be eating a little healthier, but my life has been really hectic lately and eating out and parties have been keeping me very busy. I try to live life on a tasting menu. When I go to a party or a restaurant, I order what I'm in the mood for and taste a little to satisfy me. Courses are always a problem but a little taste here and there have kept me losing about 7 lbs a month. The only problem I have is the hunger. I keep snacks in my car and…

Hi all, nice to be here. i am planning on getting pregnant but don't want to wait another year or so to get banded. i have read a few positive experiences from women who have kept their band and had healthy babies - any other comments? on a personal note, since going clean and sober 14 years ago, the pounds have gone up every year - scrawny addict in 93, 275 lbs today. right now, i feel like i did when i gave up using - like something in my head has finally clicked and i know what i have to do to live a strong and healthy life. back then, i didn't know how to ask for help and now, i know how to ask and receive it. plan is to travel to PV and have Dr Joya do the proced…

I am going through the process of evaluation for lap-band surgery. I am excited but want all the information I can find on sucessfully dealing with post-op and beyond. I look forward to reading and replying.

I have less than 24 hours before my surgery and I am nervous but exicited! :nervous :bananapartyhat: What are the best Protein drinks out there?

Hi everyone! I am a married 41y.old mother of 4 who has been overweight since age 5. I learned about the band from a friend of mine who is a doctor. He got me interested and I've been doing research for the past 6 months. I attended the required seminar and knew that the band was for me.(gastric bypass scared me too much) That was in September. I then completed all the required tests,appointments,and procedures,and of course the insurance approval.On January 5th, I received my phone call with a date for my band-the 30th of this month. I am so excited and also very nervous. My surgeon is Dr.Pohl in RI. I would like to lose 75-100lbs.If anyone has any words of wisdom for …

I've found that since my banding, I've been becoming increasingly sexually aroused more and more. Sometimes I just can't get enough! My poor wife is complaining now! Are other people experiencing this at all?

Hello everyone! I have been looking at this forum for the past few weeks and decided to join for some support. I am having my lap band done this Friday, January 12th. A little nervouse, but mostly excited!. I've been overweight all my life and now, at 52, starting to have several health problems that my doctor tells me getting the weight off will cure. Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and triglycerides. I'm looking for information and help to get through this procedure and do it the right way. Started on the pre-op Clear liquids last Saturday and not having as much trouble as I expected with it..... I hope that's because I'm motivated and want…

I have been over weight my entire adult life. I am 24 and feel like i am older than that lol. About 4 years ago i had a knee surgery that would lead to my weight gain and ultimatly to the lowest self esteem of my life. I struggle day to day with my body image and i hate being the Fat girl that has a "great" personality. I want to feel better and to look better. I have a wonderful friend that is a godnsend in my life. She is my best friend and sister. Next Saturday we are going to duluth to go to a seminar on weight loss surgery. We are looking at both getting the lap band. I am both excited and nervous. Part of me feels crappy that i have to have this surgery to loose w…

Hi! My PCP has put me on the track to get a Lap-Band & I am so relieved! She said that I should have no problem getting approval. I am 5'6" & 255 lbs, so my BMI is about 41. My first consult with the surgeon is at the end of February. I've been considering this for a long time, & now it can't come soon enough! I'm glad to meet you all!

:welldone: i am new to the site. i had my surgery 8/7/06 at 247lbs. dr. kastranakis, salem ma. i have lost 50lbs to date. i am at a stall now. i amm eatin high calorie junk food instead of real food, i am turning over a new leaf today and am getting back on track. i have to put some effort into this or it was all for nothing. i am a major food addict-eat for comfort, in pain, in sadness-obsessed with food. the operation didn't cure my obsession, but did curve my ability to eat the ugly, massive amounts of food i used to. sorry for the ramble. this banding is the best thing i have ever done- i realize it is not a cure all and i have to put effort in- make lifestyle changes…

Hi, I am new here... 35 years old, live in Denver, have been re-searching LAPBAND only since July or August of THIS YEAR. So, needless to say, I am STILL really afraid of committing to this.... I need to do it though... fOR SOOO MANY REASONS1!! Soooo.... here are my scaredy-cats .... / issues.... 1.) Money - HAVE TO SELF PAY... credit is 545 not sure if i can get a loan or not?? 2.) my mom has the money, to LOAN me, but she is afraid she will need it becuz she is dying of diabetes.... etc.... 3.) Can I still live the fun single life... having drinks / wiine with friends, smoke a few ciggies with my martinis, going to lunch dinner with clients and frien…

Hey gang, great site! Im getting on 2/2/07 by Dr Curry in Cincinnati, OH. I cant wait for that date. Im self paying since my insurance excludes this surgery. Want to know more, just ask!

I haven't even had the surgery yet and I'm already worried about dieting after the band..........sheeeeesh, I act like my mom!!! At any rate, I wondered if anyone had used support system like Weight Watchers to help them be accountable and to track their weight loss after the surgery. When I was going before they would work with me on the diet plan that my doctor had put me on, and I'm sure they would do it again. Does that sound like a dumb idea?

I was banded Oct. 6, 2006. by Dr Cobourn in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I live in Manitoba. So far so good. I have been surfing this board and it sure looks like there is a lot of support and help here. Hope everyone had a great Christmas and NewYear. Maureen

My name is Sandy. I'm from Kenmore, Washington. I'm 41 yrs old, married to a wonderful man named Paul, and have a great 13 yr old son Bryen. I weighed 244 at surgery. I was banded on Jan. 4th. So far I have been fairly low pain and will return to work tomorrow. My Doctor is Dr. Kevin Montgomery of Northwest Weight Loss Surgery (NWWLS) in Everett, WA. He is great! Well, everyone there is great in my book! I was taken such great care of. My surgery was uneventful and my husband has been a complete angel :angel: ! So, I'm just getting through the liquids part of my recovery, then on to mushy foods when Dr. Montgomery gives me the all-clear. I have been researching diff…

Just starting on the road.

Happy New Year everybody!! Spent a lot of time browsing this forum...you guys are the best.... Wanted to introduce myself before I jump in with my questions. So...I'm Mamaz2ndbaby (middle child) 27 years old and am contemplating Lap Band surgery. I'm at 304#s right now...the highest I've ever been and it's scary because my knees are starting to hurt. My doctors say my cholesterol is borderline but other than that I'm in generally good health. My goal weight is 185..I like myself at 185. Thank you guys for building such a wonderfully supportive and informative community. :clap2: See ya around the board.

Hi everyone I'm a newbe to this board but not to the band world. I was banded in 2002 and doing well so I thought, I have lost over 120 lbs. But on my last fill or I should say unsuccessfull fill My Dr asked to go for an endoscopy. We'll I found out on friday I have signifigant band erosion....i saw the pictures...not good. Needless to say i could use some support and some advise on my options. I will be seeing my Dr on Wed. for his opinion. Thanks for listening. Paula

Hello Fellow Banders, I will be having my surgery on January 15, 2007. I am a little nervous, but excited about doing this and joining all of you on your roads of success. All support is needed. What is anyones elses first thoughts on the banding process.

Hello my name is Sherry. I was banded on 1/5/2007 by Dr. Spivak in houston Texas. I'm so glad that this website is here to help. My current weight is 233. My goal weight is 140. My surgery went well. I woke up from surgery in a lot of pain, but the gave me pain killers that helped a lot. It's getting much easier as the days go by. When should I expect to get my first fill?

Hello! my name is Karen and I will be banded January 20th with Dr Kuri. If anyone has any encouraging words. . .I can use them. I am a little scared and excited at the same time.i

I was banded on the 14th of December , Dr rumbaut in Monterry Mexico and it was a wonderful experience I felt like I was at a day spa the group was great . My mom went down with me to help and the day before my surgery my mom decided to do it with me . We both have lost 6 lbs . But we are not doing well with our eating Im able to eat everything just not as much . I ve scheduled my fill for the 18th of this month. and Im hoping that will make a differnce. when i went down to mexico I meet the best group of people and they have all lost much more than I have and are unable to eat like I am. I havent thrown up or got sick in any way I do get full fast but i fell it i…

Hi All! I've been browsing around all morning and finally decided to join and introduce myself. I'm 19 years old and have been considering lap-band surgery for a few months now. I will be attending my first general information meeting in two days with Dr. Spiegel in Houston. Everything I've seen thus far has been very encouraging! Really, you all are an inspiration! I'm looking forward to sharing my experience and learning from everyone else's! ~Arria~

hi evreyone . my name is ibrahem & live in ksa in other side of the world:) i did my operation in 23-12-2006 and now after 2&half weeks i lost 13 lb i was 398 lb and now 385 lb a am realy happy to find any one to share my experiance & finally i found this site .:clap2: & i hope you accepted me as a friend . sory for my english:o but i am learning with time i am now on the liquid stage :speechles wish me luck

Hellow everyone. I thought I introduce myself. Female,30 and banded 12/21/07. Hoping to lose with the rest of you. Madden

I was recently banded on 12/22/06. My doctor is Felix Spiegel of Houston, Tx. who is located in the Galleria area. My surgery was painless till I got home and all the pain killers worn off. I was very uncomfortable for about a week but now that I am into my second week I fill much better. I am back at work and functioning well. I have only loss 11 pounds so far but I'm starting to feel much better just knowing that I am on my way to losing all the weight I need to lose. Cheers:)

Hi, Long-time lurker, first time poster. I was approved by BCBS of Illinois, and just received my surgery date of 1/10/2007. I have been working with the Wellness Center at Northwestern Memorial Hospital here in Chicago. I figured that since I'm in line, I should join up and start posting. mikeomando

I would like to hear from others who have had this procedure done that aslo have scar tissue from other surgeries in the past. That is my only concern about the procedure.

Hello all I am in the beginning stages, not banded as of yet without a surgery date. Seminar next week and the rest to follow. Just wanted to say hello and I look forward to getting to know you. Kerry

I was banded on December 19, 2006. I am down 16 pounds and I feel great. I am excited about finding this site so I can talk with people who know what I am going through.

I'm new to this board. I've been banded almost for a year now. Things have been going fairly well but there are a few bumps in the road every now and then. Don't really have much to say at the moment, but hope to learn and chat with a few great people who know what it's like. Right now i'm in the bittersweet part of the weightloss. I still have alot to go, but I'm really starting to see the damage i did to my body. Anyways, hope you are all well.

I found this website while Yahoo searching for experiences of people who've had Lap-Band surgery. I'm well into the process of qualifying for the surgery, which will be in St. Louis, about two hours away, if all goes well. I've cleared the insurance, which will pay 100% (a big reason why I'm pursuing this now), along with the other paper work the surgeon requires. I basically need the psychiatric evaluation (scheduled for Feb. 1) and to attend the informational seminar on Jan. 18. Probably looking at early-mid March for the surgery. I'm 5-10, and have yo-yo'd between 300 and 325 for most of the past 10 years. I did it without adverse health effects for a long time, but…

Hi , I was wondering if anyone had this operation on NHS and wondered how long they were waiting for their appointment. I'm just wondering how long I should take making my decision, as I am desperate to put an end to my obesessive eating, but still in the research phase. Thanks guys x

Hello all, This is Tony and I am a newly banded guy. My procedure took place on December 26. Thats right the day after Christmas. I thought of it as a present to myself. The only hard part was fasting during the holiday and not getting to eat all the yummy sweets that my aunt makes every year. The surgery, however, was a breeze for me. Dr. Gellar is an artist with his hands. I woke up and had no pain or anything. If you're in the Louisville area I would definitely reccomend his services. At this point I am down 50 pounds and going strong. I don't regret anything about having the surgery so far.

Just newly banded on December 19th. I have lost 18 lbs. so far and have about 76 more lbs. to go. I'm excited to join and visit with other people who may be experiencing the same thigns as myself.

I am scheduled for banding Jan 15. My insurance (BCBS of NC) has denied my request for surgery :girl_hug: stating that it is experimental, although I am told that BCBS pays for it in other states. I plan to go ahead with my surgery while in the process of appealing. Doesn't sound like to me that BCBS has a leg to stand on. Thanks to everyone who suggested an attorney!!:heh:

I've been gathering all the information I can about the Lapband since this summer and I've finally made the decision to become banded. I don't have much support in my personal life. I just told my best friend of 19 years that I was having it done and her comment was "I think it's just an easy way out. You've lost weight before so you can do it again" Of course, my response was that the weight always comes back, but she wasn't buying it. My husband supports me, but he's a little worried. Being on this site has been such a blessing. I have been truly inspired by so many of you. It's great reading about other people who are considering the band, have the band or have …

I am 34 years old and had the Lap Band procedure done this past Thursday (12/28/06). I was doing really well the first night of surgery and thought "gee this will be a pickle" since then, however, I have had alot of pain when moving around and the gas pain was unbearable. I still kept moving and walking to help pass the gas, but havent had much success. The gas pain is still pretty bad. last night I began to feel like I had a terrible stomac ache and began to feel nausseous. I called my doctor this morning, after suffering the whole night and he said he thinks I picked up a stomach bug and put me on compozine, which seemed to help so far. he wanted me to come back to…

Hi there... i had the band done on 9/25/06 with Dr. Dan Jones in Boston. Down 32 pounds . I am joining late but heard great things about this site!! Any pointers for the site?? Thanks!! Liz

Had surgery on Dec 19, doing great just want or need answers to some question on what to eat:hungry:

Hello everyone. I am considering banding,my doctor has told me to research it and let him know my decision a.s.a.p. I am franticly trying to make my mind up, looking for advice and answers. :girl_hug:

I have not been banded yet. I am doing some research first. I thought I could get some really good information by joining this group. I am really kind of scared, however, I am quite overweight and I am starting with the metobolic syndrome. That means, borderline diabetic, high blood pressure, cholestoral ect; I sure you all know all about that. I do have lupus, with kidney involvement which makes me somewhat more leary. My husband just says to me "stop eating" I was on prednisone for 8 years and I gained 60 lbs. I was like 200 not 260. I just don't know what to do. Any suggestions?