Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

what is bping and does heartburn go away when you have the lapband surgery , i am scheduled for 1/11/07. i have to do the 2week liquid diet prior to the surgery,not sure how well i'll be doing on that either.

Hi my name is Jocelin I'm 22yrs old. I had lap band done Nov 27 2006. I just happen to come across this website and found intresting. :clap2:

Hi. I am Heather and I am 27 years old. I have been overwieght ever since I had my son 7 Years ago. I have tryed many diets but I just seem to keep gaining it back. I need more drastic help. I just made an appointment with my family care doctor. I don't know where to start. I dont know anything about this Lap-Band, except it can help you loose wieght and it goes around your stomach. Does anyone have any suggestions or advice to offer?:welldone2: I live in St. Louis, Missouri. Does anyone know a good doctor here?

Hello everyone! I've been reading and learning from this forum for a few days and decided to join. Here it goes, short and sweet (like me) I'm 38 yrs old, female, 4'11" 200 lbs. have been overweight all my life, been up to 245, tried all the diets, joined the womens gym...etc (during my 2 hr consultation, the Dr. called me a "lightweight patient"..HA, :success1: never been called that my whole life! My rolls and folded over belly couldn't help but laugh. My BMI is 39, and I'm not 100 lbs overweight, my insurance preapproved me because of my BP and stroke Married with 2 children 9 & 5yrs. I have had high BP for over 10 years, January 2005 I had a small stroke…

I am putting together my list of things I need. I used alot of the suggested items on this site. I haven't really read anything on multi-Vitamins? There are so many on the market its crazy? Any thoughts??

Okay - since the weight loss is slower, are the skin issues as bad???

Hello! I'm Steve 45 - 287LB. I am progressing through the Insurance process and hope to be banded in Feb/March. I have to pass along an observation; In the Pics section of this site, (almost all) of the after pics include smiling faces. How refreshing! They exude confidence and success - What an absolute upper. A promise/committment that I am making is regardless of how this journey progresses, I will never, ever look condecendingly on anyone who is overweight, no matter by how much. The preparation for this has been such a learning experience about life and struggle. God bless you all and good luck with your individual goals

Is there anything that you didn't know about your procedure that you wish you had been told? What tips can you offer? I should have my procedure in January. Thanks

I am expecting to have my surgery in January. I am 43 years old, and weigh 230. I guess I am going through the post-decision jitters, and am looking for all the info I can get.:help: Can anyone recommend a good Protein drink. I am really bad about not being able to drink it if it doesn't taste good or smells bad. Thanks Lisa

Hi folks, I am very nervous and it looks like it will be at least another month or 2 before my surgery. I am hoping I can do it. I intend on doing it at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville. I am going for the lapband. Any advice or experience you have to share I am fully interested. Thanks so much, Jackie:decision: :email: jackie_plumlee@hotmail.com

Hello all... I've been lurking around this site for a while. I've finally decided that I want to have the band done.........However, I've mentioned it to a few people and the reactions I got blew me away. EVERYONE has something negative to say, like, why would you do that? you don't need it!, (I'm 100 lbs overweight), why don't you just diet and exercise!there are too many complications!, on and on and on........ but when I mention that the diabetes, high blood pressure and heaven knows what else,is waiting down the line for me will kill me sooner than the surgery will, they have nothing to say. I am not looking for a quick fix, I diet and exercise, but always end up gain…

My husband is so worried about this surgery. When I first told him about my decision he sort of gave me a guilt trip. He said I should try exercising and dieting and all this stuff. Since I am a self pay he mentioned other options of course. I told him that my mind was made up and that I need support because I was scared enough. Now that the time is getting closer he sees that the surgery is next week, he is so frightened. He stayed up last night starring at me because he said he was scared of what could happen or the complications maybe. Now I find myself trying to comfort him. My anxiety level has sky rocketed big time and now I have to worry about comforting my hu…

Hello Everyone, I just had the band done yesterday. I was a little nervous to say the least, never had surgery before. It went great!!! I was walking around in 2 hours and did not need the pain medication. I had Dr. ABkin in Dover, New Jersey. He was great. I am home today but I will be going to work tomorrow. I have some gas issues in my upper left chest but that is about it. Now just looking to lose some weight.

I just got my surgery date today. January 9th. I have to admit, I'm nervous. I've done my research and am happy with the decision, but still... I was warned today about "The Last Supper Syndrome". Then on my way home I bought a box of Queen Anne Cordial Cherries. Apparently I am highly suggestible.

Just banded and new to the Forum. Doing well so far...lots of protein drinks!

Still tying to adjust to the band. Why does it feel so weird. Almost like you can feel the food go through to the bottom. Could it be that I'm just sore. See the Dr tomorrow. Guess I'll adress these questions. Any insight?

I just wanted to stop by and introduce myself. My name is Andrea and I am nineteen years old. I had my lap band surgery on 8/25/06 and I had my first fill on 11/08/06. So far I have lost a little over thirty pounds, and I still have a hundred more to go before I reach my goal weight of 175lbs. Thats about it for me, I hope to actually be an active member here.

Hi, I just wanted to introduce myself. I have been more than researching the lap band. I went to an informational meeting last Tues. evening. I have been reading this site for a few weeks and find this an excellent site with great people. I am over 100 lbs. overweight. My doctor knows this is an ongoing problem, as I have been seeing her for years. I brought this up to her this morning and was totally shocked at her negative attitude regarding this surgery. I only mentioned that I went to the meeting and wanted to look into seeing the Surgeon and she bluntly told me she did not think I was a good candidate. Obviously, she has not been keeeping up to date as far…

Hi Everyone!:help: I need some Help finding a good Dr. in Minnesota to have my procedure done. I hope someone can help! I am very positive on having this done! I need to change my life and get my self resepect back! I'm so embarrased with the way I look.. It's time to take steps!

i just had my pre-admit today, and boy did it really sink in im really doing this! i live in billings montana and i have to drive 31/2 hours to great falls to have this done so i will have plenty of time to prepare myself mentally. my surgeon is dr.rorher. this is sorta a side track thought but has anyone had weird dreams before surgery i ask because last night i dreamed that i totally bought out victorias secret, is this normal lol should i be concerned for my sanity? lol

Hey everyone, Was laped 12/6/06...one week down and feeling pretty good. My doctor was Dr. Osborne. At the operation weighed in at 518. On my way......Any one out there have this done who is near my size? Thanks,

Hey all, I am Lucygirl, and made my first step towards Lapband surgery, I made a call, but,,,,the place I called doesnt take my insurance,,anyone in the Seattle area know of a good surgeon??:help: Thanks! PS LOVE THE PICS EVERYONE HAS POSTED!!:clap2:

I am getting my band December 8th. I am very excited. I am 39 years old with a 6 month old baby and a 2 year old. I am wondering about the recovery time....and holding my baby, etc. What should I expect as far as recovery time....any info will be greatly appreciated!

Hi everyone! I was banded on December 1st, 2006 in TJ Mexico, Dr. Corvalis! OK, when I woke up from surgery I felt like I was kicked in the tummy by one or more mules! I needed a week to recover but maybe I took a little longer because I am 54, I don't know. I must say that for a large eater like myself I do not really feel hungry. I have moved from Clear liquids to Soups, no chewables. The people down there REALLY took care of me so I would recommend it. I have lost around 14 lbs. Today, Sunday, I took an excercise walk with my husband. I did not go as fast or as long as pre op but if I keep walking I have got to keep dropping weight! This is exciting. Oh …

Hello, I'm new and scheduled for my surgery on Dec. 13, this year...

Hello everyone! My name is Rachel. I found this site on Google. I wanted to see actual success stories and WOW!!! I have really gotten alot of info from this site and decided to join this morning. I do not even know if the doctor that I am going to will approve me for the surgery but we are keeping our fingers crossed! I will keep you posted.....:nervous I am gonna try to post a picture that was taken Saturday.....

Hi everyone! I'm getting very excited about my upcoming lap-band surgery on 12/19/06! What a Christmas gift I'm giving myself! Believe it or not, the only person I've told about this so far is my orthodontist, because I don't want to hear anyone's negative comments before I have the procedure done. I'm hoping that my teeth will be straight at about the time I've lost all of my weight (I'm only two months in to a 28-month treatment plan). I went out and bought some high protein powdered drink mix, Tums for calcium, and a chewable multivitamin today. I also stocked up on sugar and fat-free Jello and Jello pudding, tomato soup, chicken broth, and sugar-free popsicle…

Hi I am new to this site. I am a 52 year old women. Who has finally decided to take the plunge. I am nervous, but very excited. Dr. Cobourn is doing my surgery this Friday. I live in northern Alberta, Canada, therefore will be flying in to Missassauga on Thursday afternoon. Anyone else out there who is having their surgery the same day?

hi this is my first post. i am having surgery on monday and i have to admit im getting nervous. i have only told my family, and they all live very far away so im feeling quite alone so i found this site and wanted someone who knows what im going through to talk to. my husband is very scared for me so its alittle hard to talk to him since i feed off his anxiety. so if anyone can help with what i feeling i would sure appreicate any comments.

Hello Everyone, My name is Cherie. I live in Arkansas where I haven't met a lot of lap banders. The support group that I met had like 10 people in it. I'am scheduled for lap band surgery on Dec.14, 2006 and Iam starting to get cold feet..I figure I'll be a nervous wreck before Thursday gets here! Iam also starting to get very weak from my pre-op diet.. Iam really worried about the gas pains after surgery and depression from not being able to eat... I cant sleep, all I can think about is, Am I doing the right thing? Has anyone else had these thoughts??? Happy to be aboard and ready to be healthy and hopefully someday be a "Hot Mama with personality!!!":help:

I am new to this wonderful site and first off want to say thank you to everyones inspirational posts. I am 20 years old and close to 300 pounds.:phanvan I have tried everything to lose weight with no success. I believe the lap band surgery is my way to go but I don't even know where to begin. When starting the process how many months usually untill surgery? Does anyone regret it? I just feel like this is my last chance.... thank you

I'm the newest newbie, I s'pose. I have been lurking on your site for a day or two, just checking things out. I've done a lot of searches for Lap Band surgery, and frankly I'm surprised this is the first time I've come across all of you. I'm interested in getting banded, and have been ever since I first heard about the procedure. Now that I finally have a job with insurance that covers it, I'm excited that I might actually be able to do it! You all are, without doubt, great examples of sucess, and truth. I appreciate all of your honesty, and I think this will be a great place to find REAL answers (even if they do vary sometimes). Cheers! -Mandilou

Hi everyone, I am considering lap banding I weigh 120 kg and am only 5' tall so quite overweight, I have a doctors referral which I will be using but am very nervous so here I am joining this forum in the hope that I can gain as much info as possible. Hope to speak to you all soon, this site looks just what I have been searching for.....!

I am currently going threw the approval process for the surgery. I am just waiting for the Diet evalution. Then it will be sent to my insurance and company and I will hopefully be approved. I found this board yesterday and have been reading for 3 hours straight. I love it. Sooo MUCH info. Anyway I am in MA and thank you for all the great support. Talk to you soon thanks

Howdy! I've lurked around this site for a couple of weeks and have learned a lot! Thanks to you all! I am planning to "be banded" within the next 3 weeks and am very excited to begin this journey! I am self-pay for this surgery and am expecting to receive my surgery date this week. I have about 65 pounds to loose and feel like the band will be the tool that will help to allow me to finally lose this weight! I am 34 years old and am looking forward to being more active with my 4 y/o daughter. Congrats to everyone for your successes and I look forward to joining in the fun soon! Mary

Any one from Chattanooga or near by want to "share war stories"?

Hello everyone, This is my first time here and I would really appreciate any comments, thoughts, insights, from anyone who went through surgery. I am scheduled for surgery on 12/26/06. So far I have been doing great with the idea of it but today, all of a sudden, I started getting scared. I did my "homework" and know what to expect but I guess what scares me is the reality of it. It's different talking to doctors or reading books about it than actually going through it yourself. I have heard successful as well as "disappointing" stories, to say the least, regarding weight loss after the LB surgery. I wonder how much life changes after surgery, how much "easier" weigh…

Hello everyone!!! I'm so excited to be here. I have been discussing lap band with my husband for quite some time now and I think we've finally decided to investigate it further and possibly take the big leap. I work full time as a pharmacy technician and stand on my feet 8 hours a day...no sit down time ever. So, I worry about the recovery time. I also only get a weeks vacation time and I assume I will need to use that time for my recovery. I had to have emergency gallbladder removal 3 weeks ago and missed a week of work due to that already! What incisions are made? What are the days of recovery like? Back to work in a few days? Able to lift a 2 yr old soon a…

Hi, I Just Got My Insurance Approval! I'm Excited About It, Been Reading Here For A Couple Of Days And Keep Catching The Word Reflux. I Have Had Gerd For Years, Take Prilosec Everyday... Is My Banding Going To Increase The Reflux? Thanks... Patsy From Leander Texas

I have an appointment for banding on december 14. This is the second appointment that I have made. The first was in June of this year...but I cancelled it. My parents came unglued to say the least...so worried about me...they know I can do it if I really try, etc. My husband does not support me in doing this either. To make a very long story short...if this operation was covered by my insurance, I think he would be more positive. I agree $17,000 is a lot of 4, but it is my health that is at stake. We are doing the Dave Ramsey thing and are following the guidelines pretty well..lots of progress. But having to take out a loan to cover "elective" surgery costs d…

Hi All, I got my band on 16 Oct 06 and my first fill 6 Dec 2006. I have lost 30 pounds so far but most of that was pre-op diet for 2 weeks. During the post-op/pre-fill period I was quite hungry so I only lost a few pounds during that period. Because my clinic is closed over Christmas and I will not return to them until February my doctor gave me a 4cc fill. I have started walking 10 minutes a day on the treadmill and will be building that up to 30 minutes over the next couple of weeks. Can I finally expect the weight to fall off like magic or am I being dillusional. Good luck to all of you. Geoff

Hey everyone! I was just banded on November 30, and so far so good! I am so excited to begin this amazing journey to the new me. I would love to hear from anyone out there who has some tips for me as far as what is good to eat in this first stage of the game. I welcome all e-mails or posts from anyone in my shoes just wanting to talk too! Please respond!

I'm not sure how long I'll stay a member of this site. But, thank you for at least reading this! I'm 28 and living in Arlington, TX. I've tried dieting and sometimes lose weight, but then I lose motivation (interest)...then I'm right back where I started. I'd love to have the surgery to help me achieve my dreams. Unfortunately, I can not financially afford a another monthly bill right now and my company opted out of gastric bypass surgery. So, here I sit very frustrated...very tired....and very depressed. Anyone have any suggestions? I'd love to hear from anyone. Thanks! :help:

I've just joined this Forum - I've been a member of the gastricband forum as I'm getting my band fitted in Belgium in January ... I'm so scared that it either won't work or I'll be so miserable!! ...:xena_banana: But, I'm really pleased to find this site!! ... I'm in London, UK and just have to make it work ... I want to full and fantastic life - which I ain't getting at the moment ... Hello to everyone on here! Dii x

Hello Everyone, This my 2nd time on the site. I have now got a before pic to upload. I will be having my surgery on Dec 21, 2006. I am very excited about it. Also this site is wonderful, I will be checking it often. Happy Holidays to all. AnnaP

Hi, I am new to this area of the forum, although I have been reading the posts daily since Dr. Hekier/Keilin did my surgery on 7-5-06. To date I have lost 53 lbs. Part of that is due to the bands help, part of it due to hard work and encouragement from friends and family. My sister was banded in August also, and she has lost about 30 lbs or so. It has been great to have this site recommended to me by my doctor, and it has really been a blessing when I felt I was the only one with some of the same issues I have read about here. Anyway, I am 48, married, and I thank the Lord continually for sending this tool my way. I went to my seminar in late June, and 9 days later I …

:clap2: Hi Everyone! I am a 29 yr old mother of 3 in north west indiana (Portage/valparaiso) and will be banded in chicago by Dr. Calhill... I have heard horror stories with any of the Weight loss surgeries, but side effects come with anything you do or take in life! I am excited to have the surgery and my weight right now is 265 pounds and my goal weight is 135, I would like somone in my area who is having/or have had lap band for moral support. I only been living here for a year now, I am a Texan, and plan on moving back maybe next year sometime. but for now here i am ...

I never thought I'd want bariatric surgery of any kind, and I didn't think I was overweight enough to qualify (5'8" and at least 240 lbs.) BUT, after seeing the Lap Band commercial the other day and looking into it, I've found that not only does my BMI qualify for me, but that this is a surgery that I'd actually consider.... heck, I WANT IT!! I turned 41 in August and have finally come to the realization that if anything non-surgical was gonna work, it would have worked by now. Atkins is the only thing that's ever worked well, but who can stay on that forever? And now, it's not just about appearance as it was when I was younger--there's the foot and knee pain, the inc…

I am new th lapbandtalk. I am considering lap band. I have my consultation in a few weeks. I am worried about the food like most people that I have read about. I'm also a worry wart, emotional eater, and just plain scared. I'm afraid that once I get the band it won't be right for me or I will miss the food that I love so much (which brings me to why I have to consider a band in the first place). Do you ever not think about the food you used to be able to eat? I hate the fact that food rules my life right now and I don't want to do that anymore. I just want to start living!!!!! Can anyone give me some good helpful advice, please? Maybe some good websites to look at. Anythi…

Hey guys! My name is Chris. I am 20 years old, and have been plagued with weight issues (as well as health issues regarding my weight) for many years. After having surgery on my back in January of 2006, the activities that had allowed me to maintain my weight (primarily weightlifting) were off-limits, which, along with being immobile for literally months, led me to gaining a serious amount of weight, to the point that I was at the highest in my life (nearly 340 pounds). I got banded (with the support of my mom) on November 14th by Dr. Fusco in Melbourne, Florida. Anyhoo ... The lowest I can recall being in the last 6 years was 205 pounds, and even then I was uncomfortab…