Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi everyone, This looks like a great resource. I'm considering have the lap-band procedure but do have some questions. I'm sure many of you can relate...I've been successful in almost every diet (commercial and self-directed) out there. I lose the weight, but as soon as I stop the diet, the weight returns with a vengence. I'm interested in hearing from those of you who have been banded for several years and have kept the weight off. Thanks, Mary Toronto, Canada

Hello everyone my name is Eva. I'am 30 years of age, I'am in my junior year of nursing school, and I just got married September 3,2005. I decided to have the lap band surgery about 7 months ago. My husband's insurance covers the surgery at 90%, and I was approved without any problems. My surgery date is scheduled in December 2006. I 'am so excited!!!!:clap2:

Hi there... well I've had my appointment and I am due to have the band privately in early December. I have yet to see the dietician for my details but he mentioned a 2 week pre operative milk diet. I have checked the internet and I can't find anything to tell me what that is. Anyone care to share? Someone, anyone give me a clue what it's like post operatively and how long you needed to be off work. My surgeon mentioned 2-3 weeks and I was a bit surprised but I have read in a few places of those who were feeling weak and gassy for quite some weeks after. I'm 51 and have been dieting for 40 years of my life.... I managed to exercise and keep slim during my late teens thro…

Hi There! I am 32 years old and have struggled with my weight off and on through childhood and solid for the past 12 years. I struggle with overeating. Often times I feel like a bulimic without throwing up. I do binge. My BMI is 37 and I am not sure if surgery is my best route, and not sure if my insurance will cover it. All I know is that I need to be healthy and I would like something to aid me, something to help me stop eating! :omg: Any suggestions or thoughts are welcome.

I have my appointment with the surgeon this Friday; My understanding is it might be 6-12 weeks after this appointment before surgery. I am getting worried about the surgery as I have developed stomach problems. Has anyone experienced gallbladder/gallstones prior to surgery and will the surgeon still do the surgery knowing I have problems?

Hi everyone. This is my first post and I'm looking at all options to see what I can do to start living again. My BMI is 36 and I'm 35 and I've been overweight since age 10. I remember my mom always telling me in school that I needed to lose weight and putting me on every diet in the world. I vividly remember telling her while in high school to leave me alone, that I liked who I was. When I look back at those pics, I wasn't even overweight. Now, 80lbs later, I know that I am. With having been diagnosed with MS (no real symptoms though ) and diabetes in my family, I KNOW I HAVE TO DO SOMETHING NOW! I've tried talking with the random Dr.'s I get with tricare and all…

Hello everyone, I am looking into getting the surgery. A friend of mine got hers done a year ago and she has lost 70lbs and still counting. I am not morbidly obese at all-my BMI is about 34. I am wondering if if there is anyone who got the surgery and then got pregnant immediatly after the procedure? There is a hospital up the street from my work that I am going to contact for an initial consultation but I am worried about starting a family. My question is that should I wait to have the surgery until after I have a child of have it done before?? My husband and I want to have a baby by next fall. Please help, any suggestions would be great!!!:help:

Hi, I'm new to the forum. I was banded 8/9/06 by Dr. Brad Osbourne. I have currently lost about 34 lbs. I am looking for information about how people eat now. I'm trying to get a good food plan established. Thanks, Elise

hi, My Name Is Michelle And Im New To This. i Was Banded On Oct 16 ,2006. My Doctor Was Dr.spivak.so Far I've Lost 10 Pounds And I Feel Great.

Hello to everyone here, you all seem so nice. I feel very lucky to have found this forum. I like you all have struggled with every diet imaginable. I am so sad that my weight affects every day of my life mentally and physically. I am 5'6 and weigh 240. We have three adopted children ages 7months , 8yrs, and 10 yrs and I find myself so limited in what I can do with them, my knees and feet are so bad. I am at my wits end. I researched the lap band and went to a seminar. I have my consult app this friday the 17 of Nov. I am so nervous that the Dr will say that my BMI isnt big enough. I think it is like a 36 or 37. I am so desprate. I am on anitdepressants , I thought they wo…

Hi My name is Alicia and I had my Lap-Band surgery done on October 18, 2006. I am a stay at home mom, and I live In NY. I am hoping to meet some new people who have been through the same surgery and can help me answer some of the questions I have and for support!!

Hi everyone, I have been doing some reading on this site and it looks like a lot of you have had tremendous success with the lap band. I just recently started thinking about this for myself. My main problem is with exercising after the surgery. I cannot exercise because of a condition I have, peripheral and sensory neuropathy. Perhaps this would change after I lost quite a bit of weight, I do not know. Do any of you have any experience with this? Thanks and you are all miracles. :help:

Hi! I am 3 years out. I am attempting to start a thread for my Indiana Friends with bands! I have lost 116 pounds. I am a LapBand Advocate so I want to help others. I have even began working for a surgeon who performs the BAND:clap2:

I am looking at being banded in the next month or so, I finally have enough money saved up- but I am hearing that in some parts of the country I can get a lap band for much less than I can in Washington State (17-18,000) Does anyone know of a good surgeon in the states that does this for less? I would have my fills and follow ups in Washington- Thanks for any help you can give

Can somebody please expalin how you set up a ticker? Sorry if it's a dumb question but I'd like to have one Thanks

Hello out there:) I have decided that I want to end this constant struggle I have had w/my weight since I was 18 but I am feeling guilty because I wonder if I am not big enough? I found this website and have been reading nonstop for 2 days, so I thought it was time to make my 1st post. According the lapband.com BMI test I should qualify (BMI of 35). I called my insurance company today and they cover 100% but I have not heard back from the doctors office yet, I am waiting for an email invitation to make an appointment. Is there anyone else out there who felt this way? I have done diet pills, fad diets, weight watchers and even went to a bariatric clinic where I was ta…

Just wanted to say hello to everyone. I just decided after many discussions with my husband to have the lapband surgery. I go to my seminar on Dec. 6. I probably won't have the actual surgery until the beginning of April because I drive a school bus and need to have some time off. I live in Central Illinois. If anyone has any experience with central Il please let me know. Thanks.

Hi All, I have been very ill with congestive heart failure, sleep apnea and the complications of severe pheumonia and weight gain. I hope that someone out there might be able to help. Due to my circumstances, my doctor has given me a referral and actually recommended the Lap Band Procedure. My problem, I have not been able to find a Doctor who accepts medi-cal as payment. Please, if any one has any suggestions or help in finding a physician I would be most appreciative. I dont know what else to do.

I had my first consult today, and it was wonderful. I've written more about it in my journal here. For those of you contemplating being banded, I think it's advisable to find a surgeon who has done many of these procedures. I found Dr. Curry, and I'm so glad that I did. I should have my surgery date around the third week in January. I'll post my date when I find out what it is. Wow. I'm so excited!! I'm thinking that I'll FINALLY stop the process of losing weight and then gaining it all back -- over and over and over again. This is gonna work for me just fine!

I am preparing for Band Surgery on Nov. 11. I am so ready, but a liitle nervous. I am a self-pay traveling to Mexico. Most of family and friends are against this, but I feel.....I have made right decision for me.:clap2: I recently retired (33 yrs. of teaching) and am ready to enjoy myself, but am almost handicapped because of weight. I need a knee replacement broke knee cap (10 yrs. ago), but Drs. naturally want me lighter! Scheduled surgery is with Dr. Kuri! What do you advise I take and know before leaving? I have enjoyed reading posts and am impressed by what so many have accomplished!

I just received the invitation for this forum. I was banded March 15, 2006 in Indianapolis by Dr. Keith McEwen. To date, I have lost 40 lbs and am very happy with my decision.

Hi everyone, I'm scheduled for a lap-band seminar at 5:00 P.M. tomorrow evening. It's part of my research. I know in my heart I'm going to do this (hopefully before the end of 2006), but I still want to know everything about it; I don't want any surprises. The same questions are probably asked a million times and in reading the posts, I'm sure some of my questions will be answered, but I still want to ask them & thank you for humoring me. 1. I read that there is a doctor who prescribes diet pills after surgery, during the pre-fill stage. Sounds like a good idea, any other doctors doing that? 2. What causes band slippage? Can it be caused by activity/exercise,…

Hey to all: I have been lurking for a little while, I HAVE A DATE 12/14/06! Thrilled and scared. I am working with Dr. Michael Thomas with Surgical Specialists in Covington. Everyone there is great, especially Chris Nelson. I would love to talk to anyone in the New Orleans, Northshore, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, SE, United States....ok, anywhere! The info on this board is incredible and it is great to have people who have been there before giving valuable and real advice. THANKS! XOXO Cj

Hello. I wanted to introduce myself. I am a 36 year old female, SAHM with two kids and I have decided I would like to get the Lap Band. Today was my first consultation with the surgeon I have chosen to do my Lap Band. It will be at least next June before I can be scheduled for my surgery, however, as my insurance (Humana Motorola PPO) has a 6 month physician supervised diet as one of the requirements. Though I have done WW and Medifast in the past few years, both times have not been under a doctor's care so they don't count towards the requirement. The other requirements are that I need to be 150% of my ideal body weight (I am) and that the surgery is medically re…

I leave in aout thirty minutes for the "introduction" seminar at the DR's office. If I want to proceed I have a scheduled visit with the PA tomorrow. I am hoping that this works the way I want it to. I am hoping to have insurance pay and get a date relatively quickly. I would like to have it done during Christmas break if possible. Sean

HI. I WAS BANDED ON 9/05/06 IN FORT ATKINSON, WI. BY DR. ERICKSON. TO DATE I HAVE LOST ABOUT 40LBS. I HAVEN'T LOST ANYTHING IN THE LAST 2 WEEKS. I LOST THE MOST THE FIRST WEEK BEFORE AND WEEK AFTER SURGERY. NO PROBLEMS SO FAR BUT I STARTED GETTING HUNGRY AND HAVE HORRIBLE CRAVINGS ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO. I AM 39 YRS OLD. MARRIED FOR 15YRS AND HAVE 2 SONS AGES 12 AND 14. I LOVE WATCHING MY KIDS PLAY SPORTS, GARDENING, READING, GOLFING,BOWLING,AND DECORATING. I AM EXCITED ABOUT TALKING WITH EVERYONE WHO HAVE MADE THE SAME LIFE CHANGE THAT I HAVE. LAURIE

Hello everyone. I am new to the board. I weigh somewhere around 400lbs plus. I feel great and am very happy with everything but my weight. I did the diet program last year at this time and lost 106 pounds in 17 weeks. It only took 9 months to put it all back on. I am now considering the lapband surgury and am comeing here to hear from people that have been dealing with life after surgury. I do have insurance that will pay for it and I have medical reasons that would qualify me to have it. (early stages of diabeties, cholestoral, and blood pressure etc). What do you all think. Should I do it? Is it the answer or is it a waste of my time like the weight loss program was? I …

Hello Everyone! My name is Kelly. I'm 28 years old and I am beginning the process of getting weight loss surgery. I was diagnosed with PCOS about 2 1/2 years ago. It was a hard day from me. It was definetly good in that I finally had someone who believed me and could say, "No Kelly. You're not crazy. There really is a problem here." I mean, since I was 12 years old, I was struggling with symptoms. I didn't have a period for...months at a time. Actually, my doctor has told me I basically have amenoria;my cycles are so irregular. I was irritable. My family and I had just decided that was the way I was--slightly testy. Skin problems, thining hair, hair in places I didn…

I have never been able to tolerate chewable or liquid meds of any kind without vomiting. Will I be able to use tablets or capsules at all? My surgery is set for Nov 17th I live 30 miles from the nearest store and I'd like to be prepared some how. Thank you

:help: Hi, my name is Sue and I'm new on this forum and I have a decision to make and need some help. I was banded in September 2005, developed a leak in my port and had to have it replaced in February 2006. I've been through hell with them trying to fill it because of scar tissue but my doctor Dr. MeGuid in St. Clair Shores, MI finally got it to work but told me if I needed any more fills he may have to do them in the hospital under a special type of xray. Well that was a few months ago and I haven't been back to him because of all the aggravation it is. I haven't lost any weight since my surgery and the worst part is all the food that I'm not supposed to eat a lot of go…

Hi everyone! :wave: I'm so excited to have found this board! I'm pre-op and need all the information and support I can get! :nod: I'm still waiting for my initial consultation but I was told to expect a call sometime in February to start the process in likely April. I can't wait! Skinny me here I come!!! I look forward to chatting with you all!

I am 30 and a mother of 2 wonderful boys who is at the end of their dieting rope! so please if anyone has advice about the banding I want all I can get...The good and the not so good.....:nervous Thanks

HI, I am to be banded on Nov 15th & I'm scared. I am going to see Dr. Rodriquez in Acuna, Mx. I fly into San Antonio on the 14th. I am going alone. But this is the biggest step I have ever taken. I am just so tired of being obese. I have been on their diet & doing very well. So, if any of you have gone to Dr. Rodriquez please let me know. Thanks.

Hi, my name is christina, I was banded on Nov 2, 2006. My Dr. R. Vohra out of South Nassau Hopsital on Long Island. I am very excited to have found this site. I look forward to learning about my fellow banders and the support that I will not only gain but hopfully give as well.

Hello all of you newbies. And some of you oldies too. I just got my band on Wednesday, Nov 1st. I think I am doing well, except for the feeling of bloat, even after I chew up some gas x!! Please tell me this goes away! I know the doc off. said it could last up to 6 weeks..... It would be nice to keep in contact with someone banded at the same time, if anyone is out there.........

:help: I was banded 10/05 and I have lost 55#, which is ok but I really feel like I should have lost more. I have a 4cc band and 2.5 cc's in it, I have restriction, but I am not sure I have enough. The problem is that I am scared to get any more fills because I am afraid it will be too tight. I can't eat anything in the am until about lunch time, then I can usually eat a whole plate of food with minor restriction, but I am diabetic and my sugar bottoms out at night and I have to get up and eat or drink and usually end up purging because it will not go down, and I am unable to throw up. What should I do?

:thankyou: I hope everyone.. progress and sucess! Q:I Cant Get Approval For A Car financing,Can I Get Approval For the Lap-Band? Q:Any Ways To Get Financing? Im In Cincinnati,Ohio....$10,000 to $19,000 isnt likely to be in my bank account at one time.--that's just truth. Q:I Have Medicaid(Caresource)and the employees at Caresource basically told me "No" before I told them my weight issues. ~~~Any Advice Would Help~~~ Current Weight- 198lbs Height-5'2 Health Problems-Asthma,Sarcoid, Fibroids(Painful),Foot Pain,History of Heart Disease, and Diabetes.

Banded 10/30/06- Confused and scared to death of solid foods! I feel full with liquids still and its been 8days. Did anyone else feel afraid to eat?:nervous I hope to have lost some on on this liquid! First post op visit 11/15. Turner24

Ok I am a little scared after reading some information on another web site. I was banded 10/4/06. lost about 12# now feel great, I am now on a exercise program and drink about 60 oz of water. Here's my question, After 2 weeks i have tried regular foods and they all seem to go good, Have never gotten il except for a 1/2 piece of pizza :help: which was in my gut for a day, but i walked and drank lots of water and it passed. Should I not be eating soft meat and cotage cheese? I chew my food and eat 1/2 sandwich but I keep reading I should not eat any bread. I guess I wonder if we would feel are band slip or is there a test on 1st fill that the Dr can say all looks goo…

:bump2: :bump2: :bump2: :bump2: :bump2: :bump2: :hippie: Hi everyone!!! :hippie: :banana I'm very happy because I found this amazing page! :banana :thankyou: Everybody is so nice and friendly! I have just been banded (10/25/06), today is my 12th day since surgery :sick and everything is going so fine!:clap2: I'd like to share my experience until I succeed in order to help and motivate others that have chosen the Lap Band surgery as I did. :high5: So.. let's get in touch!! :tea: :kiss2: Kisses! :kiss2: :bump2: :bump2: :bump2: :bump2: :bump2: :bump2:

Hello all!! I just made the desicion this week to have the lap band surgery! I am so glad that I found this site! I hope that I meet people that can help me with concerns and questions.. and that I meet new friends!

Hi everybody........... Tomorrow it will be a week that I got banded. It took months to make the decision......... I used Dr Collier in Conroe Texas - everything went smooth, except the bloating feeling was a killer. It is finally starting to subside - that was pretty uncomfortable. I do have to say I can't wait to chew something.........I'm not hungry of course, but miss that chewing factor. Does that every go away? Looking forward to getting to know ya'all better....... Glad you're here! M

Hello everyone! My name is Tod Campbell and I had my surgury about 15 months ago. I have seen people on this site wondering if loosing a 100LBS is possible with the band. Well it is and I look forward to loosing my last 40 or so.:clap2: Anyway, I just wanted to give some encouragment to all of you as I have expereinced simular issues, stalls in weight loss or no weight loss, and even weeks when it said I gained a few. Stay with it! The great thing about the band is it keeps you on track. If you have slow periods just rededicate yourself and 15 months or more will pass and you will start to look good. Believe it or not, it seems that people are just starting to…

Hey, I was banded on August 24, 2006. I have lost 40 pounds since the liquid diet before surgery. I received my first fill last Wednesday and I can really tell the difference. I go to my family doctor this week so it will be interesting to see how he thinks I am doing, BP, weight, etc., Hey one thing I have noticed since the fill is that I burp more than usual. It is not PB, because it is just a burp. Has anyone else had this happen? If so, is it because I am not chewing my food enough? By the way, great site, I am glad I joined.

Hello, I am somewhat new to this website and wanted to say hello. I've found many of the posts quite informative and I look forward to keeping in touch. My question is: are there bandsters that also have a mobility-related disability? I am 30 years old and a right above-knee amputee and have been so for four years. I lost my leg due to trauma (I was hit by a car while vacationing in Bermuda) and since then have gained almost 80 pounds. I have been approved for lap-band surgery and will probably have my surgery in 6 weeks or so. Can anyone address any of the special needs or difficulties after surgery you faced due to having a physical disability? I am also int…

I have my first appointment on Wed. It is a mandatory "meeting" in which they discuss the band and other options... My question is, when people first decided to ernestly pursue this option, from first apointment on, how long did the journey take, from first appointment to the surgery day? Sean

Hi Everyone! I am scheduled for my banding tomorrow at 2:30 by Dr.Ren at NYU Medical. I Have to say that I am nervous and excited at the same time. I feel more nervous than excited most of the time. Did anyone ever feel overwhelmed right before the surgery? I would love and appreciate anyones story on how they felt just 24 hrs before surgery - and how they felt (mentally) afterwards... Many Thanks! Maureen

Hello, all... After doing a whole lot of research --- and reading a TON of posts on these message boards -- I bit the bullet and decided I want to have lap band surgery. I emailed Dr. Trace Curry this morning and, to my amazement, he returned my email and told me to contact his office. I have my initial consultation on Wednesday, 11-08-06. Am I stupid to be aprehensive and scared? I really want to be thin and healthy for the first time in my life. I think Dr. Curry can help me. Comments and suggestions are welcome!

Hi, I'm form Minnesota, First of all I would like to say this is an awesome site, lots of info here. I am considering the lap band surgery, my BMI is 39.9 I was just diagnosed with hypertention, chronic low back pain and R hip pain, probly because I carry my weight all in the hips and buttock area. but anyway, I have lost weight and it always seeems to find me, I'm sick of that! I am scheduled for an information meeting in Willmar on Nov. 28th. I really would like to get it done but this is the problem I have, My sister had the gastric bypass surgery done and she has changed so much for the worst I mean, she is going through a divorce, addicted to cigerettes and alcoh…

Hi, all. My name is Brad. I'm a 42-year-old married father of two boys. I'm 6'5" and over 400 lbs. I have been radically successful on each and every diet I've tried -- if you only count the first 3-4 months or so. Then the weight comes back every time. Let me say thanks to all of the regulars who post here. I have learned more, pro and con, about the realities of this surgery and what life is like just by lurking here. I have not yet decided to have the lap band -- indeed I am visiting the doctor for the first time tomorrow -- but it's been very eye-opening to hear from those of you who have been there, done that. My biggest fear in all this is that, from what I r…