Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello all, This is my first time here after being referred by a fellow patient at my clinic. I am getting my lapband on Wednesday December 13th and am half excited and half nervous.:omg: My doctor is Dr. Cobourne at the THE SURGICAL WEIGHT LOSS CENTRE in Toronto, Ontario. I have been on Optifast for almost 3 weeks and have had a few slips due to my hamburger addiction.:think I have just booked a trip to Mexico for our winter vacation on January 12 - 18th. I know this is quite soon after my surgery but we are going to a place we've been before and I know the food is great and being that I should be on soft food by then, I should be okay. My mom thinks I'm nuts …

I cannot believe that in just one week I get banded. What an exciting time. It went sooo quickly! Thankfully, I am in good health, aside from the fact that I am about 135 lbs over weight, so the process went quickly. I am COMPLETLY confident in my surgeon. My mom actually had this procedure done as well...so I take comfort in that. Unfortunaly, she was not very sucessful, and went on to have gastric bypass. But here were are 2 years later and she is 150lbs smaller and 100% healthier. I guess my biggest "fear" is that I will not have a significant weight loss. I am soo tired of failed diets and weight loss attempts... Any words of encouragement....I am open.

Thank you for all your help everyone. I know I have a lot of material to cover and find all the facts. I am thinking of going to a seminar in Milwaukee with Dr. Englstead (not the right spelling but close) His costs run anywhere from simple in out surgery of 15,000 to 30,000. That is to much for me to pay but still am working on insurance also. Not going to rush right into this until January. I sure like am pleased to be a part of the lapband community.

I have been looking into lap band for over a year.... I have tried lots of other things including spending a month at a womens weight loss program in vermont last fall... I am trying to find out what long term statistics are available regarding lap band. Percentage of people who opt out, or have their band removed because of erosions or other problems, etc. How long a band can/does last, etc. I am now at about a hundred pounds over what I should be...

Well, to say the least everyone on this site is incredibly encouraging and supportive! Ive been looking into getting banded for a while now and have done everything that needs to be done prior, all thats left is a chest xray, andddddd the biggy...my decision. If I decide to go for it I could get banded in January/February. It will be self pay so I want to make sure this is the right decision for me. Some stuff on this site has made me nervous (but so does ANY surgery)...I cant tell if its more of a 'way of life' to live with the band and just something you get used to, or a more of a pain in the butt hassle/problem. Anyways, just wanted to tell everyone what an inspiratio…

One of the surgeons in Dr. Madan's office told me that they stitch the band in place. I read that causes erosion...do anyone know??? Sheila:confused: Be BLESSED!

Hi everyone, am looking at being banded once I have given birth (am 12 weeks pregnant). Have about 30-40kgs to lose. Was wondering, has anyone else been banded shortly after giving birth??? Also, does anyone know approximate out of pocket expenses in VIC AUS or does it depend on the surgeon? Thanks.

Hello All: I am new to this site...I have actually been researching the Lap Band and came across this site. I go to the weight loss educational meeting on November 30, 2006 am and VERY nervous, because from there, I will be contacted to get the ball rolling to the Lap Band process. I wanted it about 4-5 months ago, but my insuranse did not cover it. Now for 2007 it does. I refuse to get the gastric and hope this is a better/safer procedure. I am very scared..reading all the complications those have had with not losing weight, or the port flipping, and other scary stuff. I would hate to have this all done for nothing, and then nothing but bad turn out of it. I am 2…

Hi, I was banded 10/04/06. I have, since my last appointment on 11/06, lost 30lbs. I don't have a scale to weigh myself at home. Many are not for anyone over 350#. So I just weigh in at the doctors office. I can tell I'm losing, my clothes are starting to fall off!!!. Anyone out there over 350#?

I've been wanting to get this surgery done for half a year, but my family cannot afford the after care. I know it will be a while before I'm able to get the surgery, but I'm still a bit nervous about it...

:help: Hi everybody im melanie and im having the lap band sugery on monday 11-27-06. I am so scared and happy. i know that this is a longjurney and im ready i think. i ve been on a liquid diet for 9 day already and its killing me. im lucky if im taking in 300 calories a day. im scared im gonna be to weak . ive lost 10lbs already which is a good thing ,i just hope im doing the right thing.I REALLY NEED SOME HELP GUYS:help: :girl_hug:

I am looking for any information on Anchorage areas where I can get an x-ray of my band to make sure it has not slipped at all. Does anyone have any information for the Anchorage, Alaska area???? Thanks! Stacey

Hey there! I'm a newbie waiting for a surgery date! I've actually been waiting quite a while. As a Kaiser patient in Northern CA, Lap Band wasn't available until just recently (this month they did their first round of installations). When the FDA approved it in 2002 I was all over their backs to start offering it to their patients. So, here I am four years later, and ready to go. I've done the pre-op routine: nutritionist, psychologist, surgeon, lost 10% body weight...and now I'm in a holding pattern. Hoping to at least maintain my loss until I get my date. Kaiser says if you're over your goal weight, they'll walk you out of the surgery room and back into your car.…

Hi All, I'm new here and have an appointment to banded by Dr. Rumbault in January. I see a lot of newbies on the boards but was wondering if anyone had the surgery a couple of years ago or longer and could provide some insight on long term issues or benefits =0) Either way, I look forward to meeting everyone and hopefully learning from your experience! Lori

Hiya, I;m 24 was banded aug this year i have 5 stone to lose and i have had 1 fill, hoping to have the next one very soon!

Im staaarvin!

Hello fellow bandsters I first joined this site a LONG time ago, but am just now posting because originally the insurance I had would not cover the band (or ANY bariatric surgery for that matter) and I got discouraged. Well, fast forward, new job, new insurance. I just found out yesterday from them that as long as it's deemed medically necessary (which it obviously is already - my primary doc brought this up with me, not the other way around), that it'll be covered!!! Obviously there are some hoops i have to jump through, but nothing major. I just wanted to finally introduce myself I'm Amanda (or Panda - whichever you'd prefer), I'm 24, will be 25 next month. I…

Hello! I finally got my approval today - it came through at 1:17pm. I have been calling and calling everyday for 2 weeks and finally today!! I started this process a year ago and after several denials - I have made it. I get a month and a half off from work - teach at a college - so I told my dr.'s office i wanted to do it soon - they are trying to schedule it around xmas. Yikes - nervous but can't wait to get started on this journey! I have been reading this website for a few weeks and it has been so wonderful - thanks to all of you!

I have just registered and can not for the life of me figure out how to add pictures, a weight scale, post or anything else. Can someone direct me on instructions on how to add things to my profile? Thanks

Hi All! I'm scheduled for my pre-op appointments Dec 13th at NWWLS in Everett WA and will get a surgery date after that. I've been reading the boards here for a few months and am grateful that there is a place where so many banded folks can come to share what's happening with themselves. It's one thing to hear about the possible effects of surgery from your doctor, another to hear how it affects real lives. Thanks! Elizabeth

Hi everybody! My name is Janet, I'm from Long Beach, Ca and had my band placed on 08/23/06. So far have lost 22lbs. I work for a major US airline and love to travel. I could not afford the price of surgery in the US so had my band placed in Belgium for about $7000.00 USD. The band is a European model, Helioscopie, so I have my fills done in Tijuana, Mexico. Nice to meet you all!

i've been approved by my health insurance. i'll be having my gallbladder ultrasound and upper GI on tuesday. i've done the rest of the requirements. i don't have a surgery date yet, but it will probably be at the beginning of next year. the surgeon who will be performing my surgery is dr. cunneen at cedars sinai in los Angeles.

Hello everyone. I have never posted on a internet site before but have lurked here for several weeks and have gained some great information. I was banded Nov. 22, the day before Thanksgiving. Was sore after the surgery as usual, but otherwise doing great and have lost 17 lbs. so far. The past couple of days I have felt a sensation similar to a side-stitch under one of my smaller incisions. I assume this is my port? Is this feeling normal and has anyone experienced this sensation also? Will it go away as I continue to heal? I thought my dr. said you would not feel the port. Thanks for any information.:help:

Hi everyone, thanks for all the great info, you all make this much easier. Has anyone our there used this clinic or dr. please give me your experiences. Were you happy with this dr and your lap band. Thanks,susie

Just joining in... banded march/2004. Unfilled May 2006. Had many issues... looking for some answers... Evrytime i had a fill i would vomit for 3 days straight and my Dr. would have to unfill me. I took nexium for a month before i tried my last fill with exactly the same results. unfilled after 2 days. Im wondering if this is common, if there is something to be done, i have gained back 23lbs and am worried tha ti'll keep going up!:help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help:

Hi everyone! Just wanted to introduce myself. I was banded on 11/14 and feeling good. Looking forward to first fill next week. Is that soon?

Hi everyone! I am new! I am getting banded on the 20th of Dec. I am so excited! My friend did it last year and I have watched her success and am ready to join it. I would love to lose about 120 pounds. That would be awesome!! look forward to hearing from everyone!

Hi - I am new to the forum - Banded 10/17 and had my first fill today. I feel I am doing terrific with all this. the PROBLEM I am having is that my boyfriend appreciates the weight loss - but hates the band. He was very angry with me today that I had the fill and told me I was going to cheat and I was going to fail and and and Also wanted me to continue liquids instead of doing the fill.... I cant figure out if he is scared or just being a jerk. In everything else we have done in the past 3 years we have been together he has been terrific

Good news I rec'd the letter my insurance company okayed my lap band surgery, bad news since sept. my surgeons are now out of network. Help what can I do? Does anyone know the cost of surgery or how I can find out on line? Thanks

I just had my consult with my surgeon and I've been given a surgery date of Feb.11. I'm so nervous and scared and I am trying to get as much information as possible. My worst fear is returning back to my old eating habits. I know this isn't a magic cure for weight loss and I hope I have the strength within to change my lifestyle and make this work! Looking forward to meeting you all.

Hey guys. I just wanted to say that reading your experiences and stuff really helps calm me about this whole thing. Im 19. Ive been obese from the time I was 6 on. Being the fat kid who is also "alternative" is something i wouldnt wish on my enemy. It gets pretty hard to wake up sometimes. I've battled depression and suicidal thoughts for a long time but when I got to college i started self-discovery. I now know who I am and accepted that I can be me ... no matter what others think. I have seriously thought about gastric bypass for around 2 years now but was always put off a bit. It's a bit extreme and something about ebing cut open and all that scared the bejesus ou…

Hi there to all. I am new to the group. I have my lap band set for Jan 19, 2007!!!!!! I can't wait. That is my slow month and I am self employed. I am a pet groomer. I have planned to be off for 10 days. I hope that will be enough time. I am going to Dallas to have it done at the Preston Cardiolgy and Wellness center. I have to pay cash for mine and it is to be 11,000.00. I know that Dr Maese is one of the doctors but I do not know the name of the surgeron yet. I am enjoying reading the post here and am learning LOTS!!!!!!! Rene' 5'4", 225 lbs

Hi my name is Kim and I was Banded 9-13-06 in Mexico. I go tomorrow for my first fill. I lost 25 punds right off the bat and then nothing for a month, I gained about 3 pounds back. My Dr said my band was "fluffy" and I would need a fill at 6-8 weeks. Boy do I ever. Wish me luck for tomorrow..

:help: Hi, I was wondering how long a driving restriction would be on? how many wks do they recommend after surgery to be out? I have 6wks on my insurance for 100%. Also, after 2yrs if u gain weight and u still have the banded ... do they fill u again or adjust it. that stays in .. so, i would think the dr have more control than an rny. do they take the port out? just wondering thx.. Minniegiggl:clap2:

Hi im 25 years old and im 320lb. Im a single mom of a wonderful five year 0ld and i have been obeasted for about 10 year and im so tired of it i have tried every thing form liquid diets to doctored orderd pills. and nothing i believe my family has fell apart due to my weight even my son say he wished i was a shinny mom because i dosn't like me big and fat. I go out with my friend mind you all my friends are small i fell like iam a out sider like i don't belong. i just want to go home and hide i haven't been out on a date who knows when and i haven't had sex in god know when and when i do i fell so uncomfortable because im wondering if he is looking at my hang belly or my …

Hello Everyone. My name is Deidre and I was banded on 21 Nov 2006. I was introduced to this site last week by a friend and am sooo glad to be a part of such a great community. Some have wondered why I chose to have the Lap Band surgery because in their words, "you're not that big." To them maybe not, to me yes. I don’t like to way I look (physically) and I was getting to the point where my size was hindering me from doing two things I really love, karate and riding rollercoasters. I have a third degree black belt in karate and as you progress in the black belt level, a lot of the things you do require you to get on the floor and spring back up. Well as you can imagine a…

Hey , My Name is Ashley and I was banded on November the 8th. I'm just kinda overwhelmed with what I can and cannot do at the moment. With work and school and everything else, it's hard to have to worry about what and when to drink and eat, but I'm sure I'll get the hang of it.:clap2: . I was banded by Dr. Marsden in Lewisville. My current weight is 294 and I hope to lose about 150.00 pounds.

Started mushie foods yesterday. Todayis my Birthday and my family wants to go out. Any suggestions?

Hey everyone! I'm Melissa from Houston, Tx. I was banded November 28, 2006 by Dr. Ira Kasper. I'm still a little sore but alot better than I was. I've lost a total of 20 lbs. I lost 9 lbs pre-op and 11 lbs since my surgery. I can't wait to reach my goal and lead a much healthier and happier life. Good luck to everyone out there. I'm sure we'll all help each other out during this long journey. Thank you.

Hi my name is Mosytif, im new to the board? Wanted to say hello to everyone! :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: P.S. I have have trouble getting my weight ticker to display in my signature. Help, Anyone?:help: Mosytif

Hi All!!! Just been surfing your forum and it truly looks like a place I need. I am 2 1/2 years post op. I had lost 150 pounds but then experienced some problems because I had become lazy and cheated a little and didn't go for regular check ups. This was my biggest mistake. So I then experienced a lot of reflux and major problems with keeping food down. After a series of tests, I was diagnosed with Esophagal Dilation. Not really really serious, but serious enough for me to change my ways. My band was emtpied totally and has been that way for 4 months. Unfortunately, I have gained almost 20 pounds in that time. It goes to show that old habits die hard in my case. The goo…

Hi all! I was banded in April of 06 and have lost 48 lbs since I made the decision to get banded. A few weeks ago I got a fill, which took me up to 2cc on a 4 cc band. But I am having food get stuck very often and also PBing. This is getting quite annoying! I have tried all different types of food, but it is hit or miss. Any suggestions would be helpful!:phanvan

I am not really sure if this is normal. I am having a hard time eating. Not because it won't go down or comes back up (Thank goodness I have not had a problem with that) but because I don't feel hungry and looking at food just makes me want to gag. I was told that I was supposed to eat three meals a day but I have a hard enough time eating one meal a day. Is this normal?? I am worried that I will get sick from not eating. :help:

Hello bandsters!!! I am just beginning the inquiry process for lap band surgery. I have completed all of the prelim test. I am in Dallas and want Dr. Benevides to do the surgery. Has anyone else had experience with him. Please give me your experience. My BMI is 40 and I don't have any comorbid health issues, so I am praying that my insurance will cover the expense. If not, it'll cost $16,000. (Which I don't have:cry ) If you know of anywhere less expensive in Dallas--let me know. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield TRS (I'm a teacher). I'd love hear from you and get some more information.:help:

My surgery was on the 20th of November and my doctor has me on soft foods and I am allowed dark chicken. I was on liquids for 4 days after I came home. Did this happen to any one else? I lost 15 since surgery.

Hi everyone, I have just joined - had my lap band 6 weeks ago. Lost 15.5 kgs (34.1 pounds) so far.

I have been here before but it has been a long time. My insurance didn't want to pay much for the lap band surgery so I just had to forget it. Couldn't afford it. Anyway someone sugested I appeal to my insurance for a review of my situation, (health issues). I have, and two of my doctors have written letters also. I have Arkansas BCBS. Has anyone ever done this and had the insurance change their mind and approve the surgery and pay for it? It's my only chance of getting the surgery.

Hi everyone I had my surgery 10/25/06. Lost 22 lbs so far. Starting to be hungry when I eat. Still on purried foods. No discomfort at all. Haven't had my band tightened yet. Should be soon. I am interested on any thoughts anyone has on how to loose weight not be hungry et.

I am from Arizona - was banded on 10-16-2006 by Ariel Ortiz in TJ Mexico--

Am "signed up" to have band place by Dr Joya in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico. Anyone know of or had surgery by their clinic? Comments, positive or negative pls. One concern is the risk of blood clots - "pulmonary embollism" - which most docs'/clinics' sites are quite forthcoming about admitting is a risk -- but who's susceptible & why or what pre-existing conditions? How can one test themselves to see if they are prone to such a risk? What can one do to guard against possibility of a such an occurrence? What are general % odds? Anybody know? Anybody know of someone to whom this happened? Tks Lorrie Zuzek