Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

:help: Hi, I'm considering the lap band but my fear is that I don't have the willpower to go through the pre-diet phase? What are you allowed to eat during this phase? I weigh 270 lbs and need to loose 150 lbs; i'm terrified i don't have the willpower do do this even after the surgery. I need someone to tell me the truth without sugar coating anything........... Mugly.....very scared

Hi. My name is Sean and I've been working toward getting banded for almost a year now. I've finally got the green light from BCBS after a tremendous amount of help from Kelley and Walter at ObesityLaw.com. Thank you so much Kelley!!! I guess it's time to come out of the shadows as I'm getting banded on 1-12-07! Thanks to everyone here too! I've had access to a great deal of knowledge and experience while lurking at this site and it's already been very useful as I prepare for this new journey. You've all been a big help to me already in making this decision. I can't believe it's finally going to happen. I'm excited and nervous at the same time but am very optimistic tha…

I am new to the forum and just began checking out the lapband procedure. My husband and I are both looking into the procedure and are currently looking into doctors in the Houston Texas area. We have BlueCross blue shield of Texas and according to their benefits book will cover lapband beginning in 2007. I am currently at 36 bmi (but weigh about 100 lbs more than ideal weight) and my hubby at 38 bmi. I have thyroid disease and he has many other health problems that make him an ideal candidate for the procedure including weight induced diabetes. I need some help and direction about the procedure, good doctors in my area and life after the band. Thanks for the info....

My name is Keshia and I am new to this board. I have contacted my insurance company (AETNA) and my insurance plan covers the band, with some specific guidelines to follow.. I am trying to find info on any good dr's in Tennessee. I am looking forward to starting the process.. any info will be greatly appreciated:help:

Hi i have not been here for about two week, I kind of took a break from the whole lapband scenario because i was overwhelmed with the holidays now I'm back on track and just found out my insurance approved my surgery. I will have it done in New York on Jan 12 2007. God willing ,at Montifiore Hospital in the Bronx. Anyway is there anybody here from Newyork City.:clap2:

Hi...I am new to this site and wanted to introduce myself. I am a 33 year old female. I am married to a wonderful man for 10 years now. Current weight of 340. We don't have any children, and of course would love to have one, but with the obesity its has become difficult to get preg. I have been doing some research on WLS. I was seriously considering the gastric bypass..But after reading about this lap band thing, I am leaning more toward that. For one I hear it is safer, lot less complications..The only thing that I dont like is I hear it takes longer to lose the weight with the lap band. I am trying to get it through our insurance, but if that is not possible, I…

Hello everyone, Happy to find this forum! Banded 11/20/06, just before TG! Rough but made it thru. Very happy with results thus far.

Hi, My lap-band surgery is Monday January 08, 2007, and i am feeling a little anxious.:faint:

Hello! My surgery date is going to be January 24th. The procedure will be performed by Dr. Morton at Baptist hospital in Nashville. Let celebrate! Joe

Hi!!! My name is Ashley and I'm orginally from Chicago. However I've lived in Houston in the Clearlake area for over two years. Throughout my life I've always been heavy. In fact I can't think of a time I wasn't the fat girl. I've tried the diets, and the plans but I could never stick with it. I'd give up. Recently I've been doing alot of thinking, and more praying and I've decided its time to live a new healthy life by making new choices. On Saturday I have a appt. with Dr. Marvin of OSS in Houston. I've done my research and I trust him and his staff to support me through this time. I'm really ready... This is a picture of me and the love of my life, John.

Hello all. I'm Tim from NE ohio, married and the father of 2 great kids. I'm 37, and as the years have passed, I've gotten bigger than I thought I ever would. Most people know I'm a big guy, but are surprised to hear I am in the 350lb. range. And at 6', I'm past a quick diet helping. I also have a bad left ankle, asthma, and high cholesterol. I've been feeling terrible about myself, and my health for along time. I've been researching the lapband because I don't feel I need to go as drastic as the other options out there. Just need a kick in the butt, I guess. I just wanted to say Hello. I'll spend more time reading all the great info here, than posting. I appreciate…

I canceled my appt. with my primary doctor because of www.lapband.com I found this website and did a search of doctors in my area -- I came up with Dr.Kieth Kim of the Florida Hospital is Celebration City Florida. I called up the center and spoke with a lovely woman who told me they had these little seminars at the hospital explaining the procedure and that I didnt have to see my primary at all ( http://www.floridabariatric.com/ ) At the conclusion of the doctor’s talk, they will go over the paperwork to get you started with their program and also will discuss fees and insurance coverage of the surgery. So they are very helpful! I am sooo excited. :clap2: :clap2: :cla…

Hi, everyone. I'm new to this (or any forum) but was banded 6/20/06. Am I the only one who doesn't know what BPing is?? Also, what is "sliming?"

I wondered if anyone can provide a little support prior to my surgery. I am really excited about the surgery, but I am also worried about the major change in my life. Food has been an important part of my life and I want to change. I am a sugar fanatic, but I am on blood pressure and cholesterol medication. I want to change my life now. I have two small kids. I feel like I am missing out on their lives by my lack of activity. I am also passing off my bad eating habits!

:help: could someone out there please help. I would like to know if anyone knows if there are any programs for funding this surgery. I have insurance but it doesn't cover this surgery. I am diabetic and have back problems and have high cholesterol due to being morbid obest. I am about 200 lbs overweight. My doctor does reccomend this surgery for me. I am so miserable and fight depression. Everytime I try to diet, I end up gaining the weight back and put on more pounds. I'm desperate to find some help to pay for the surgery. Thank you, lighthouse37

G'day Folks I had my band surgery on 19th December 2006 (2 and half weeks now). I have no idea what my fill is at this stage. My weight on hospital admission was 124 kilos, I dropped 5.4 kilos while in hospital, but nothing since. I'm on liquids for 4 weeks.......fruit juice, drinking yoghurt, broths & soups, milky drinks and jelly. I sure hope I get a loss this week. It looks and feels like I have lost more, but the scales wont come to the party and agree (sadly) I like many of the newbies I was reading have suffered with painful gas and was advised to take Mylanta when needed. Mylanta will absorb the gas (what a life saver). I've not suffered with painful incisi…

Hi, I have my surgery in 2 1/2 days. Have to work the next two nights then surgery on Tuesday am. I am from Washington State and Dr. Neal is my surgeon. I have about 100 pounds to loose. I would like to get down to 115-125 pounds. I am 4'11" tall and 55 years old. Been overweight more or less since I was 10 years old. I have a wonderful, supportive husband and am paying for this out of my own pocket. I am very much looking forward to loosing weight. I lost 90 # 7 years ago and have gained 70 # back. That is the way it has been all my life. Well, got to go and sleep before work tonight.

I was banded on 12-27-06 in Texarkana. The procedure went well, although the doctor had to do a hernia repair. I came home after the surgery & the next morning had much swelling below my left breast. It was very large & scared me. I called the doctor & he said he would need to see me, so back we went to his office. He said the cavity had filled with blood & fluids & if my body didn't absorb it, he would have to go back in. Today is day 6 & the swelling has gone down some, but I still have swelling there. It is very hard & gives me much discomfort. I did a lot of research before proceeding with the surgery. I never read anything about this condi…

Well, I am Tammy. I live in Puyallup Washington. I have not been banded yet. I am only in the beginning stages of all of this. I have thought about it for some time now but just over the weekend I finally decided to look into it. I have tried diets, lowcarbing, exercising, you name it! I just can’t seem to A. stick with it & B. when I do loose some I can’t keep it off. I am getting desperate!!!! I am up to about 310lbs! I even hate the way that sounds. I would just love to see 200lbs, but 175-150lbs would be my ultimate goal. I hate that I have an entire person to loose!!!! My BMI is 50.:omg: That is MORBIDLY OBESE!!! I :cry when I write that! I …

I had my band Sept 21 06, told everyone thinking it would be a huge success. excellent surgeon, op went well. Home next day with empty band. Disaster, husband in coronary care same night I came home.In the pandemonian that followed I dont know if I took in too much liquids or mulched food, but I surprised myself at how much I could take in after a couple of days of not really studying my situation. I actually felt the band was not stable, it seemed to move, but I though I might imagined it. I moved to thicker foods faster than I should and gained 2kg, after the op. at 1month 1ml some action not taking in as much, but not knowing when to stop, before too late, pain, dis…

:faint:I had my band Sept 21 06, told everyone thinking it would be a huge success. excellent surgeon, op went well. Home next day with empty band. Disaster, husband in coronary care same night I came home.In the pandemonian that followed I dont know if I took in too much liquids or mulched food, but I surprised myself at how much I could take in after a couple of days of not really studying my situation. I actually felt the band was not stable, it seemed to move, but I though I might imagined it. I moved to thicker foods faster than I should and gained 2kg, after the op. at 1month 1ml some action not taking in as much, but not knowing when to stop, before too late, pa…

I had my band Sept 21 06, told everyone thinking it would be a huge success. excellent surgeon, op went well. Home next day with empty band. Disaster, husband in coronary care same night I came home.In the pandemonian that followed I dont know if I took in too much liquids or mulched food, but I surprised myself at how much I could take in after a couple of days of not really studying my situation. I actually felt the band was not stable, it seemed to move, but I though I might imagined it. I moved to thicker foods faster than I should and gained 2kg, after the op. at 1month 1ml some action not taking in as much, but not knowing when to stop, before too late, pain, dis…

Hi i am new to this site as well as the lap band. I had mine placed last Monday Dec, 19th. I was so excited, ofcourse nervous. I suffer from anxiety related to driving. Therefore I chose a surgeon who was new to the lap band, but only 15 min from home. ~~ TERRIBLE MISTAKE~~. He has done the gastric bypass for quite some time so I felt he was confident. I was suppose to go home that night. NOT I woke up in the worst pain, I had a PCA pump, a drain in my side and the treaded catheter. The surgery took 3 to 3 1/2 hours and some where in that time they nicked my liver. I had to stay overnight for 2 nights while they monitored my H&H to make sure I wasn't losing …

I joined this site in November 2006, I was so ready to have the lap band done then I went to this seminar and the Doc changed my mind. Since then I've been having ups and downs about having the surgery and now Iam back thinking about it again. I need some advise really bad! I love this web site and I've been looking at the before and after pic's and yall look great! I would like to hear some of yall's stories and should I be having doubts about the surgery? Thanks ~Carmille

Hello, my name is Stephanie and I am in the pre opperation proccess of lap band surgery. I have to go to the psycologist for the second time and I am not sure why. It is upsetting me because I want this surgery now. Can anyone give me information about the psych. process?

Hi, I am just new to this journey but I am ready for the ride. I was lap banded on 11/27/06, I am 5'1" and had a bmi of 41 when I started. Lost 21 lbs since starting the whole process. I am on a regular diet and unfilled.. Will get my first fill 1/16...... I am here to live and learn. This is the first I have posted but have read post for awhile. Wanted to say.... Thanks...for all the helpful hints/surpport.

:banana Hello everyone. What an awsome forum. I'm so glad to have found you. I am 40 years old and have been slightly overweight all my adult life, but have really ballooned over the past 10 years, mostly I believe due to thyroid and hormone problems. I, too, have tried just about every diet out there and a few made up ones of my own, without success. 2 years ago my best friend had a RNY done and although she had great success with the weight loss, the complications were massive and because I was by her side the whole time, I saw first hand that I did not want to go through that no matter what. On top of the fact that I am an RN and have an aversion against cutting out…

Greetings all! I've posted 1-2 messages before this in the Intro section and I chatted in the Chat Room for the first time today. It just occurred to me that I ONLY HAVE 1 MORE DAY UNTIL MY BANDING!!! I'm both scared and excited. I've been chatting with folks in the Chat Room about what to expect in order to decrease my anxiety level. I have so many questions and so many mixed emotions, including the fact that I want --nay, I NEED this to work. Since I need to rely in large part on my own will power to succeed, I'm scared that I'll fail the way I have in the past. I'm trying to think positively, but now that it's real and only 24 hours away, the old insecurities…

Hi everyone. Just stumbled upon the site today and have taken great comfort in it. I have only recently decided to have surgery and am going for my first consultation today with my surgeon - Dr Manaceau in Advanced Cosmetic Surgery, Dublin...anybody any feedback on him?? I have been putting on weight for around eight years and am now a whopping 280lbs - my ideal weight is between 160 and 170lbs so it's a big challenge but the decision has been made to tackle the problem and 2007 is going to be my year. Two of my friends have had the surgery and are very happy with the decisions they have made. While I have seen first-hand that things have not always been easy for them po…

Hello everone.. I'm 3 and a half weeks post op. and feel pretty good, Dr. Tersigni here in Oregon did my lap-band. Does anyone have any good ideas for an excersize program for someone with hurting knee joints?

I received my lap-band in Tijuana Mexico with Dr. Ortiz on August 23 2006. Surgery went great, quick recovery. I was up walking around all over TJ the next day. Didn't see any restriction or weight loss. First fill: Nov. 7th Noticed some discomfort if I ate to fast. Bread and softer things are what I had trouble with the most I think. However I never have that feeling of being full or satisfied. So still NO significant weight loss. I'm thinking about going back for another fill soon. I'm also from Nashville and looking forward to getting back into shape to start this year out right. Wish me luck

Hi all, I am new to this great site. My name is Jeanette AKA Fluffin. I have struggled with my weight for years. I have tried diet, exercise, not eating etc and always put the weight right back on. I am really considering the lapband procedure. I have Federal BCBS of Delaware so my first step I guess is figuring out if they will pay for this or not. If not then I have to figure out a way to tell hubby I want to spend some serious money:omg: . I look forward to any suggestions/advice you all can offer. Jeanette

Hey! My name is Liz. I'm 20 yrs old. Currently about 255lbs, 5'7''. I have been researching the lap-band specifically for about 4-5 months now. I took my first step 2 weeks ago by calling my insurance company (Cigna) and seeing if they covered the procedure (even if they didnt I was going to self-pay). But the great news is -- THEY DO! I do have to pay a 500 dollar deductable -- and 20% of the procedure -- UP TO 2000 dollars - so the most I will pay is 2k. which isnt terrible at all! So upon hearing the great news I called my doctor and made an appt for the 8th of January -- comming up! The receptionist for Cigna told me I would have to go to him so that he c…

Hello, I Am New To This Site. I Have Been Thinking About Joining For A Month. I Finally Did It Because I Have Decided That The Lap Band Is For Me. My Problem Is Not Knowing Whether Aetna Pos Ii Will Cover It. I Can't Seem To Find Out If My Company Excludes It Or Not. I Have Asked My Company 2x And They Don't Know What I Am Talking About. They Said Call The Insurance Company And Ask. I Did Call And Aetna Said They Cover It But It Depends On My Company's Policy/benefit Plan. If It Is Excluded I Want To Know Before I Start The Process Here In The States. If It Is Not Covered, I Am Determined To Go To Mexico And Have It Done By Dr. Ortiz In Tj. I Guess My Question Is, How C…

Hello everyone, This is my first time here. I was banded 2 days ago and I'm still in a lot of pain. I also had a repair of a hiatal hernia; two procedures for the price of one! I expect to have a pain but it feels so ackward at times. Every time I get up I feel this heaviness on my chest which comes and goes during the day. I also experience "needle" like pains on the incisions which are often pretty sharp. And on top of that, upper back pain, which I was told by my surgeon that it's a reflecting pain from the hernia. Have you guys had similar pain? How long all this will last?

Hi, my name is Laura and I am a 46 yr old nurse from British Columbia, Canada. Coincidentally, my BMI is 46, too and I am considering banding. I am probably going to go to a private clinic or the US because banding isn't covered by my provincial health insurance anyway, and if I decide to do it I don't want to wait 2+ years. Any info you Canadian folks have about banding (especially where to go) would be greatly appreciated. Cheers, Laura

:help: :help: :help: :help: :help: Hi my name is Barb and i have decided to go for the LapBand. I would love it if a few fellow members could tell me where they started their journeys. I am not sure if it is with a GP or the selected surgeon or ????? For me the sooner I can have it the better I will like it. Please if any of you could help I would appreciate it.:think :think :think :faint:

SEPTEMBER 2006 - Although I have been heavy most of my life I have also been fit and active. I lost control after a sequence of events kept me inactive and I just couldn't "catch up" or get ahead again. In 2001 and 2005 I had major surgeries that had to be performed abdominally. That meant six weeks of sitting (and rotting!) twice. On 03/01/02 I fell and thought I had only broken my arm really bad. That was the least of my problems. I had also torn my rotator cuff, damaged my hip and my lower back. Although my weight didn't fluctuate a lot, my health began to spiral out of control because of the lack of movement in my life. After years of physical therapy, a splint worn…

Hi my name is Carole and I am from Hurst Texas. I was banded in November and received my first fill in December. I don't really feel much different. I expected to be loosing more weight much faster than I have been. Is it unusual to start so slow.? I got my first band on December 28th and I don't feel any different. I don't want to get discouraged this early. I have really big hopes for this. They also told me that I can't be filled again for a month. That makes no sense to me. I am going to call Dr. Marsden on Tuesday. If anyone has any info on this, please e-mail me and let me know - cwcthom632@aol.com. Thanks:faint: Carole

HI IM KRIS AND IM NEW TO THIS IM HAVING A BAND PUT IN ON WEDNESDAY AND VERY FRIGHTEND:phanvan

:help:Hi, My name is Kaye i am 50 yrs old and had my lapband done on 28/11/06. I was pretty happy after the first two weeks when i went back to the surgeon for my first check up and had lost 6 kgs, i also had my first fill. Since then i have not lost any weight and am constantly hungry. I dont go back to the surgeon until the middle of Feb which to me is a long way away. I have planned a holiday to Fiji with my family for the 2nd March and was hoping to have lost a lot of weight by then but am worried it's not going to happen. I am feeling very depressed about the lack of weight loss, maybe i was hoping for a miracle!

I have been banded since September 26, 2006. My doctors are Dr. Hamli and Dr. Tran. To date I have lost 40 lbs. I'm due to go back to the Doctor on Jan. 19 for a full and check up. I'm hoping the wieght loss will speed up with the full. This is my first. I'm a little worried that I'm not doing as well as others who have had the surgery. Please let me know if you feel I doing okay.

Howdy fellow Bandsters and wanna-be's (like me). I figured now would be a good time to make some friends that share some of the same challenges. Me: 39 year OLD man.. My slowly increasing weight is dragging my life down and making me feel older than my years. I am now determined to make my 40th b-day in August a good one. I can tell that I have some developing health issues that if I get serious now I can reverse, or I can ignore them and leave before my time. My wife was banded several months ago and to date has had no ill effects, although they are still toying with her fills to get her losing weight. I am hoping to make some new friends here and share some s…

Hi everybody, I'm Carole and I live in Crowley, Tx. I'm not banded yet but have my first consultation with my doctor on the 4th. I'm a self pay so he thinks he can "squeeze" me right in. I've been lurking here a bit and am thrilled so see so many bandsters from my neck of the woods. I'll be using Dr. Marsden. Has anybody heard of, or used him? I'm hoping I can get this done before the end of January. There 's a Pirates Ball I'm going to in April and I'd love to shed some weight by then.. Aargh!! Well, I just wanted to say hi and Happy New Year! Carole

Hey Everyone, Just wanted to take some time to introduce myself. My name is Rachael, and I've been banded since August. My weightloss has been a bit slower, but i think for two reasons, first - i haven't found the sweet spot yet, and two, i've been doing so much travelling with my line of work, that it's been an uphill climb to try and find the right foods to eat. I head back home in a couple days, and i'll be able to start fresh..thank GOD! Anyhow, i've learned so much since i've been on this site, and i hope to one day contribute and help others. Thanks for all the advice so far, Rachael.:clap2:

Hi everyone.... I'm 4 weeks banded as of this comming Tue. I had a rough time at first with bloating, but Gas-X helped a lot. I started at 297 lbs. and am down to 265 lbs. so I'm on my way to 195 which is what I weighed in 1972 when I got out of the Marines. Any suggestions on an excercise program for someone with painful knee joints?

I am so excited and nervous. I know this is normal. Thank you everyone for being so supportive to me. I have discovered bandsters are amazing people! I am glad the weather is supposed to be nice for a few days. I can walk on my dead end street. I want to feel better as soon as possible. Not looking forward to 4 weeks of liquids, but at least I should (hopefully) be losing during this time. That should make it worth while! thanks again everyone, Denise

Hi everyone, I sort of lurked around a little before signing up, but decided today would be the day I'd sign up and finally introduce myself. I'm Jen, married to DH Greg, and we have one son (4 years old). I've been overweight most of my life, but really started to gain alot about 11 years ago. I've done several diets and lost weight only to gain that and then some back (as most here I'm sure can relate). Last year, my Dad was on the verge of a heart attack and had to be rushed in for surgery to place a stent. Then my Uncle (Dad's brother) passed away at Christmas due to heart problems. Not to mention my Dad found out he is a diabetic last year. So all of this …

I contacted Wood County Hospital for my consultation and they wouldn't even see me since insurance said I would need a 12 month documented weight loss program. I guess 13+ years isn't enough for them. Going 12 more months getting my hopes up is something i'm really not sure i'm willing to do. So, for about a month I gave up hope that i'd ever not be fat. Earlier though I contacted Ohio State University, but when they said they'd reply in 2 weeks and they didn't I lost hope in them too. (I'm a pessimist if you couldn't tell). Yesterday (4 weeks after I contacted them) I recieved a packet in the mail telling me I had been approved for the inital consultation. This is …

Hey everyone! I am excited to be a part of this community as I am very active in forums all over the net. I am a 23 year old college student at Winona State University, MN. I am in my 5th year, completing a BSN Nursing degree with a minor in Psychology. I will be graduating in May and will be working in a hospital in the Twin Cities. A little hx of me... I was a swimmer from kindergarten until 8th grade. When puberty hit during my 7th-8th grade years, I could not get over my large size and could not feel comfortable in a speedo. I quit swimming and joined football from 9th to 12th. During my junior year in high school, I was at my largest weight... 320 lbs (I…