Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I am from Kansas, I will have my surgery Dec. 19, 06. I am excited and aprehensive. I am 67 years old, and have been fighting this weight for25 years, gaining more each year. It will be so nice to be able to walk, and breath while I'm walking. Is there anyone about my age who has been banded. I would like to know if there is much difference in being old and being young. I guess there would be. I am enjoying this site while I wait, I am learning so much from all of you.

Hi I do not have surgery scheduled at this point, but am contemplating a self pay lap band surgery. My BMI is approximately 38, I have sleep apnea, joint problems, and a horrible family history of cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart attack. I applied for RNY surgery in July and was denied. The surgeon appealed, and it was denied again. I about gave up. Then I got diagnosed with female problems and had to have a hysterectomy. I know in my heart this is partially from being overweight. I had a very large fibroid tumor, which is fed by estrogen. I also had stage IV endometriosis, which is fed by estrogen. Estrogen is made in abundance when you are ov…

Hi there everyone, I just joined this site. The thing is, my parents want me to seriously consider getting lap-banding done. I'm 22 years old and weigh about 125kgs. I know it's alot... and I know my health is suffering from it, but I'm really worried about getting lap-banding done. I don't want to die at 40, which is what my endocronologist and GP keep telling me is going to happen, but I don't want to be.. well unable to control the weight and what I eat. I've read some other forums about people who ate too much with the band and have been throwing up and things, and I am starting to think that the bad things are outweighing the good things. I was wondering if the…

I am 64 yrs old and have been looking into open surgery but have decided against it because of my age. I am wondering if there are many my age that have had the lapband and how they are doing. Thankyou -any replies will be welcome. abbydabber

Hello, I am still new at this. I have been reading on here and see people talk alot about restrictions. How they feel restrictions with thier bands. I know I must sound stupid but what is restrictions? Kim:confused:

Hi There, I'm new to the forum. I live in Vancouver and can't find a Doctor that will perform the surgery. I have been to a seminar at the Northwest Weight Loss Surgery Clinic and I'm all for the procedure, but its a little pricey, 17,100 (incl one year of fills and aftercare). If I can't find a Doctor in Vancouver I will get it done there, BUT I would rather spend my money in Canada and perhaps a littel closer to home. Any suggestions??

:girl_hug: (so i copied it and posted here .. not sure how to delete my other post in the general lap band area) Hi I'm new here just was looking for support through my decision to have the lap band sugrery. Alittle about me Im 32 and have been overweight for most of my adult life . Fluctuating between 250-235 and Im 5 '6 Im going through the steps to get the sugery approved through my insurance ..With no one in my family knowing I just decided that I have been critisized enough for my weight ( always in joking ways) by my family ..and it was never funny to me. So this time Im not going to include anyone in this journey who I dont think will be supportive. I kno…

Hi everyone, I am Credo and was banded in early October. I am about 6 weeks out now and really am glad i chose the band. I had my first fill this week - one cc inserted into my 4cc band. I think that means my band is about half full, tho the dr says it can take more than 4 cc's. I really feel the restriction after this fill. Everythign but really soft stuff is getting stuck, not badly but i feel it, on the way down. Chewing alot slower and eating softer foods. He said to give it a week before i formed an opinion on how full it is. i guess it can kind of adjust that first week. I didnt have much restriction at all after the surgery so i am kind of glad to feel it now. I h…

I have been reading alot of different stuff in the different catagories on this site and I have seen alot of people who say they have had thier bands removed due to erosion only after one year. Is this a common occurance?? My doctor made it sound like this band would last for a very long time. This makes me kind of nervous. :omg:

hi i'm twenty six years old and getting the band put in on dec 2- very nervous, but excited to see the future results. any tips on after surgery eating. currently i'm on the 2 week liquid diet

Hi everyone, just found this forum on the net. Hope you can understand my posting as English is not my native language. I was banded in October 2004 and have finally reached my goal. I'm used to metrics, so I'll use my BMI. I went from 47 to 25 in just 2 years. I'm a member of a forum in my own country, but now I have a question no one on that forum can answer. For over a week now I'm suffering a dropfoot, and it was mentioned to me that one of the reasons can be a lack of vitamins. Is someone on this forum familiar with this? Please help as I'm really frightened at the moment. I have been to the hospital and was seen by a neuro specialist who told me the dropfoot wasn't …

My name is Kim and I was just banded on November 9, 2006. My starting weight was 306.4 pounds. I am now down to 285.0. Today I am actually starting on soft solids. I have really had a hard time since my surgery. The pains I have had have been awful but each day brings a little more relief and I have gotten past the point of questioning why I decided to do this. My doctors name is Dr.Felix Spiegal. He is a very nice doctor and his staff is very nice the only thing that I don't like about him or his office is that although they are there for you when you need them I always feel rushed when I try and talk to someone. I don't like feeling rushed when I have a question ab…

Although I'm not "new" to this website, I have begun my lapband journey, and am now waiting for the Insurance Company to approve me. However, everyone has such cute tickers, and I went to one of the webistes to create one, but I don't know how to put it into my signature, or even update it. Any help would be appreciated!

How do I change Prinmalik to my real name, Please help?

Hi everyone just joined and wanted to say hello. as you can see my name is martyn and i live in Great Yarmouth Norfolk. i was banded in Jan 2006 by Mr Paul Super at Heartlands Hospital. up till today i have lost 4st 6 lbs but that i fell was not really due to my band. since my band was fitted my restriction has not been good i now have 8 mils i still can eat normal and to be real honest i think that the aftercare from Mr Super is non existent. anyway thats all i can say about that thanks martyn

I have been banded for 18 months. have reached my goal weightand have had only a few complications. But, a week ago I was out to eat with my daughter and I got a terrible pain in my left side under my rib:omg: . It was so bas that I thought that I would have to stop the car and wait for it to calm down. I went on liquids for 2 days and then It happened again. This time I HAD JUST BEEN EATING WITH MY HUSBAND AND ABOUT 15 MINUTES AFTER WE FINISHED THE PAIN HIT. I WAS DOUBLED OVER. I MADE IT HOME AND PUT A HOT PAD ON MY STOMACH. aFTER ABOUT 45 MIN. MY BACK LOWER BACK WAS HURTING SO I SHIFTED TO MY SIDE AND THE PAIN WENT AWAY. i HAVE A DULL PAIN IN MY SIDE THAT HAS SEEMED TO…

I am just wondering if anyone know about the 6 months of supervised dieting. Does anyone have any input. Can you still be denied after and why?

hi, Just seeing if anyone else out there with having dr. campbell. having surgery there. Just wondering experience? thx Minniegiggl

Hi, I am looking into the surgery. i am 38 yrs old with diebetes. the dr. recommended the lapband.. i am at a 40 bmi. My dr is at cmc in Manchester, NH. Going to the dietician on monday. The dr. said i was perfect canidate. thx. Minnie

Hello everyone :-) I was wondering if anyone on this site could refer me to a doctor in the Los Angeles or Orange County areas. Also, this is the beginning of my research, and I would love to know: 1. Typically, how much this surgery costs if you pay out of pocket? 2. If anyone has United HealthCare Insurance, if so, did they approve procedure? 3. Do you have a lot of pain post-op? I'm a total chicken! 4. Worst part of this procedure 5. Best part of this procedure 6. Time it takes to see real results (if you follow the rules, of course!) Thanks so much! I appreciate any info/help you can give me! Something4Me

Hi everyone, My name is Rachel, I had my surgery on September 25, 2006 and I was searching the web for fellow bandees! I live in Phoenix, AZ but I am origanally from Canada. I just wanted to hear about others experiences with the band and get and share some tips. Looking forward to chatting with you all!

I am having my sx here in az on Dec 5th. I start the "liquid diet" monday and am looking forward to the next step of this process. I am 5ft1 and 196 so i have about 90# to loose (that what they tell me) i would be thrilled with 75. I am private pay so needed to be SURE this was the answer. anyone with any suggestions for being successful with the protein shake and still feeding my family regular meals would be appreciated. also, am i allowed to have the turkey on thansgiving or is it really nothing? i thought maybe low fat protein might be okay??

Hi All, I am scheduled to be banded on 12-28 and when I saw my doctor he told me I would not be able to take my arthritis medication any longer. I have been taking Mobic for years (bone on bone in right knee) and without it the pain is horrible. Has anyone else had to stop taking their meds and if so what have you been using in place to ease the pain? Thanks, Janet

Hello everyone. I'm new here but very excited to have found this forum. I was banded a little over 4 years ago. Love my band. Love your forum. Thank for letting me be part of it. jfkbeantown Banded July 2002 Dr. Kelly, Worcester, MA

Hi everyone, this looks like a great forum, I just found out about it today from my doctors office. I was banded Oct.12, by Dr. Rumbaut in Monterrey Mexico. I was a self pay. He and his staff were wonderful. I'm down 21 pounds in 40 days and feel great and on track. My first fill is scheduled for Dec.6, and I can't wait! Look forward to "meeting" all of you. Eve

Hey Folks- Brand new to the site and am also in the process of getting approved for surgery. I am here to learn from others and get all the info and support I can. -kisses

Has anyone out there been banded at NYU- Interested in your experiences- Most curious about the first 2 to 3 week period post op- are you full, what is healing like, etc etc etc- what can one expect from someone who has had this ?

name is Jim,going to a meeting tonite to check my options. I'm 56 years old ,5 11 265 or 270. have high blood pressure sleep app and diabetes.life is not bad but this band may help me live longer. my question is this a life long band or does it come out after we or i lose the weight i need to ? any long time bander's out there ? good luck to all seeking relief from our common problem:cry

Hello all, I am from england and i am off to belgium on sunday 19th november to be banded on the 21st at the Elyzea clinic! I am very nervous but as i have been overweight my whole life the band is my last hope! D x.

Good Morning, I am considering having the lap band surgery done and was looking on the internet to find a place I could go and see what other people are saying about the procedure and any complications anyone has had. I came across this site and from what I have seen so far, I think it is very informative. I really do enjoy seeing what you all have to say, the good and the bad. I have attended one seminar already and have an appointment with the nurses and surgeon later in December. I have already checked with my insurance company and the procedure is covered but the Dr. and facility I am going to are not covered so I will have to pay first then get reimbursed later.…

Hey guys i just had my lapband inserted few days ago ( 13-oct-2006 ) - I need u guys to help me.. i dont like reading general info i prefer to hear it from people who have gone through what im currently going through. How much do can i expect to loose ?? im prepared to put in alot of hours in the gym ect.. ( please answer in KG terms) i was once a promising soccer player and distractions led me this - im very exited about having another oportunity but i want to push for it and get results quick. would love to get some advice

Hello! I have been doing research and reading posts on here and I've finally decided to take my first step in getting surgery. I am meeting with my doctor tomorrow to talk about it and do a pre-determination for insurance (which would cover 80% of the costs if approved). I am pretty much expecting to be denied but trying to be hopeful. I am kind of in shock that I am actually pursuing this. I never thought I would get weight loss surgery. I guess I'm just to the point where I don't know what else to do. Deciding last January to "really do" something about my weight only caused me to lose a ton of money to Jenny Craig and gain another 20 lbs. I won't even mention how ma…

Hello all, I've just joined the forum. I've been out looking and searching for any information I could find on Lap Band Surgery, and trying to find a support group, looks like I found one. I don't have a surgery date yet, but I go to my seminar 11/11/06. I'm excited. I'm hoping to have my surgery in January. I first was looking into Gastric Bypass, I work with several women that have had it and they look awesome now after 1 year. But my husband is so against it, I could never talk him in it. So I was going to go thru it anyway, and just not tell him, but one of the girls I work with told me that there could be some serious complications, she did not have any, but …

Have been looking in to lap band surgery. Still not sure if insurance will cover it yet. We just moved to a new state and don't know a soul to find out about recommended Dr.'s/surgeons etc. Have done some research on the internet where they mention the possibility of complications with the surgery. The only complications I have heard of is possible slippage and leakage. Has anyone had these complications that could tell what symptoms you would have to know if these were occurring? Also, I know that some Dr.'s sew a flap of skin around the band to prevent slippage. Does anyone know why some would and some would not do this? If our insurance does not cover…

Hi Everyone! I'm on Sauvie Island in Portland and looking for others in town for support. Anyone interested? Also, wanted to mention that I was banded by Dr. Tersigni in Coos Bay at the North Bend Medical Center, about 3 1/2 hrs. from Portland...after visiting Mexico, and interviewing surgeons etc. The cost was around $12,000 but is now around $10,000!!! Fills/follow up visits are free for the first year. Dr. Tersigni has a great team and is an expert withthe band, speaking at medical conventions etc. Banded Aug. 28, 2006 @ 256 First fill Nov. 1 238 Nov. 13 232

:faint: Hello there fellow band friends! I' am really anxious about having the Lap band procedure. I Want to know how much of an adjustment is it going to be for me and my family. They are being very supportive, but I'am the back bone of the family and I'am worried about being down to long after the surgery. I also want to know more about what happens when a persons band has erosion. Please help ease the tension of surgery!!!! :help:

:phanvan Hello, I was banded Oct. 31, 2006. At first everything was fine. Shortly after I came home I began hurting. A burning, hot, searing hurt in my port area. My doctor said the stitches may have gone through a nerve. As long as I am not wearing a bra it is bearable, somewhat. It hurts constantly and sitting at my desk is very uncomfortable. I am wondering if anyone else has had a similiar experience. It is Nov. 14 and I have an appointment today. So far, I feel I have no restriction and can eat just about anything. I am not sure if I will get a fill today or if I will just go in for a visit. I have been unable to get off pain medication and do not like how…

Hello All, I new to this site and also newly banded. I was banded 10/11/06 by Dr. David Schumacher. (He's great!!) I had my first fill last Friday (11/10). So far I have lost 23 pounds. (I didn't have a pre-op diet) Just checking to see how other people are doing.

Hello new friends! I had Lap Band Surgery on 5/15/06 in Chicago at NW Hospital. I have been actively working with their Wellness Program for over 2 years before deciding to take the next step. It has been a long road. All my life, I have always worried about my weight, but did not really have a sigificant weight problem until 7 years ago. While I began the program at 239 lbs (5' 6"), and got as low as 208 lbs, I just could not make progress after several ups and downs. My doctors encouraged to take the next step to free me from this overwhelming burden in my life. On 5/15/06, I went into surgery at 222 lbs...and as of today, I am back down to 208. I had my first fill a…

hi i am new to the web site. i have not been banded yet.

Hi there everyone!! I am new to this site. I am anxiously awaiting my banding on 11/20. My insurance company United denied approval for my surgery, but I don't have a choice. This is a do or die situation. I must do this if I want to live. 15k is nothing compared to death.

:help: Hi! My name is Stephanee and I am a 27 year old mother of 5 kiddos...3 birth children and 2 foster children, ranging from the ages of 3 all the way up to 16. My co-worker told me about the Lap Band about 2 months ago but I was still in denial then. On Friday, I went to see a plastic surgeon about recieving a much needed tummy tuck due to 3 c-sections and major weight gain. I informed him that we go to the gym 3 times a week and we eat healthy. I explained that I didnt want to have the procedure done until I lose some weight. Without him weighing me, he assummed I was accurate on my weight and proceeded to tell me he "didnt know why I thought I was healthy because 2…

Hi everyone, I started the LapBand process this month. I've gone to a seminar and have selected a surgeon who has sent a letter to my insurance company for pre-authorization of surgery. I have United Healthcare ChoicePlus which does exclude weight loss surgery unless there is morbid obesity. I have a BMI of 45.5 so I will be covered. I haven't been overweight all of my life, just the last 12 years (after the birth of my first daughter). I gave birth to my second daughter 7 months ago - was like doing it all over again. She was born premature due to pre-eclampsia and is doing wonderfully now. In between births I was ill alot (gallbladder removed, hepatitis, high …

Hi everyone, My doctor told me yesterday that I really should have Lap Band surgery and he wants to schedule me with the surgeon. We had discussed it before, but now it seems like it's more than a suggestion from him. Simple as that. Dieting hasn't worked. Pregnancy weight decided to stick around for the long run. It's my fault. I know. You don't get this fat on celery and 3 mile jogs. I did this. But I also always thought of my weight as my temporary problem. I didn't want to face obesity as "me" but rather as just something I had to get past - like a cold. I feel like Lap Band is the point of no return. It defines me as an obese person - not a normal person who is t…

Hey everyone, I am new here, I just wanted to say hi. I have been looking into some type of bariatric surgery for awhile now about 2 years or so, but i have only been looking into the lap band for a few months. I am only 20 years old, but i weigh about 306 im 5'7 and my BMI is 48 i believe. Im not sure where to go, what to do, or what exactly the first step is. I am absolutely terrified to do the surgery, but i think its what i need to do. I think i will feel better and look better. I live in Michigan, so if anyone could recommend someone in michigan i would greatly appreciate it. Thanks all, and Happy Banding! ~hotpink~

Hi there, I am just starting the process. :success1: I have been researching the band for a few months now and will be attending a seminar on 11/13/06. I am excited, yet a little nervous. Still unsure I want to have this done. :phanvan All of the benefits seem almost too good to be true and the complications,though rare I guess, are all too real. The journey continues... Sheila

I had my preop appt. yesterday. I am so excited. I am having my surgery in Nashville TN. Are there any others out there from TN? I have several friends who have had surgery and have been sucessful with a healthy weight loss. I researched my Dr pretty well and the surgery also, so I am pretty comfortable with the idea. I am more worried about the pre 2 week diet than I am the surgery. My family are real supportive so I think I can make it. I am joining Curves to help me start an exercize program before I have the surgery, My biggest goal is to get off of some of this medicein I am on althuugh the weight loss will be fantastic. Well I have jabbered long enough. Great to be …

Hi, I'm new here. I'm still "just thinking about it" and am going to a seminar tomorrow in Jonesboro. I was wondering if anybody has been banded in Jonesboro, AR and if so, what their experiences were. I am self pay and can not afford to go to the Memphis doctors. Any help/advice you can give me? I would love to hear from others in NE AR who have been banded. Thanks, SueB

My name is Donna and I had been banded June 23rd 2005. I have lost a total of 118 lbs and I have pretty much stopped loosing weight now. My body has stopped where it feels it is suppose to weigh. I'm very pleased with the results and am looking forward to an ongoing healthier life. :clap2:

HELLO Finding this site has been a godsend. I have one question-Yesterday I started vomiting-nothing coming up-called the doctor today and he says I may be eating too much. I am barely having anything-1/2 of an Atkins shake will make me puke! Does this seem right? I am really nervous right now. Thanks so much donamarie Dr. Darren Tishler-Hartford CT