Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi, I'm just waiting for my 1st appointment with Dr. Montgomery at NWWLC, so that I can schedule the surgery. My appointment isn't until the 13th...I wish it were sooner. Maybe I'll call to see if I can change it. My biggest concern is the surgery timing. I want it before the end of the year. I'm concerned that our holiday house guests (that are staying 10 days) will notice all of the mushy food. Since I'm not going to tell them about the surgery, I'm not sure if they will wonder why I'm eating mushy food. I was just wondering if anyone else out there had a similar situation? Thanks! AAL

Hi everyone, Happy to meet all of you. I was just banded on 10-12-06 by Dr. Spiegel in Houston. My starting weight was 394 and my goal is 250. I am male, 47 years old and ready to lose. I hope later on I will also be able to provide help and support like all of you do. Mark:)

Hello everyone. Right now I'm waiting for a surgery date and can't wait to start my journey. All of my presurgery tests are done and I'm completely psyched!!! Reading several of the posts on this site has confirmed that I've made the right decision. Good luck to all!

:faint: Trying to stay on the liquid bandwagon....:help:

Having Surgery On Nov 23rd My First Time Here To This Website Hope To Talk At You,,,have A Great Day

Hello to all. I am a new kid on the block. I was banded 11/01/06. Weight at banding was 264 Goal weight is 150. My Dr. is Felix Spiegel Houston, Tx I live in Central Texas. I am new to forum boards. I live in a rural area and my computer is rather slow. I am really excited about the banding journey and just want to gather all the information I can here at the beginning. I feel great and only have a few aches from the procedure. I am on only liquids so far and doing OK. Thanks for any advice or input you have.

I have been lurking for awhile but now I'm ready to "take the plunge".I am so impressed with the level of posting about the band experience and the overall knowledge and intelligence of this group. I learned about the lap band only a week ago because of the TV commercials. Since then it's been non-stop research! I am hoping to have the surgery in early January in Monterrey if all goes well. I am self-pay but the big draw is the experience of the Mexican surgeons. I do have a question: How can you be sure that the surgeon you are paying is the one who is doing the procedure? Once you're out, how would you know? This actually happened to me when I had my hysterectomy. I wen…

hi, my name is Danielle, I live in Germany, my husband is in the Airforce. I have not had surgery, but am looking for info on it and advice from real people who have had it. I hope I am posting this correctly. I am 5'4" and 245lbs. gained 50lbs this past year for no reason, i have absolutely no health problems, thankfully. I am now obsessed with this surgery, I am so anxious to get it. Now i just needd to find financing and a dr.!

I was banded on Sept 13 2006 my starting weight was 274 I had my first fill on Oct 26 1cc I have lost 29lbs this fills a little slow to me but my Dr thinks I am on track tring to keep positive and working hard

Hello! Glad to have found this site, and reading through the posts I found the whole range of thoughts and feelings I've had -- pre and post surgery -- about the process! Here are my stats: Pre-op weight: 288 age: 38 sex: M I had my surgery on Tuesday, 10.24 and am just returning to work this morning (BOOO!). My surgeon was Dr. Shah @ Lennox Hill Hostpital (broth or Jello down without feeling full. But, that quickly passed and I moved on to tomato Soup and applesauce and cottage cheese, etc. I definitely recommend taking a week off work, just for your own peace of mind! I feel almost normal again, except for the following: I AM TOTALLY CONSTAPATED! Ac…

hi ... I had my lap band on Aug 15th and have lost 50 pd since I started my journey...10 pds before my band and 40 since...just found the site tonight and it looks like a very supportive and informative source of information..I have a question about when a person know if you need to go in for a adjustment? till next time...take care Jenny:)

Hola Amigos: My name is Melissa (A.k.a. Meli) and I'm new here. I found out about this place from my dear friend Shontel, whom I was banded with and love dearly. I have been overweight for approximately 80% of my life, the 20% percent of not overweightness coming from a childhood stint when I think I was actually underweight. I am what you might call a "Super Chunk." My weight is higher than most of normally obese people, but being tall, I've been able to mask the number better than someone that's say, 5'2. Sounds crazy, right? It is. There's not much fat people can do to hide anything concerning their weight, unless I try to hide a pen under one of my …

I just want to say hello and i am happy to have found this site. I have been banded since April and feel like life has just begun for me! I can't wait to interact with everyone on this site!

Hi everyone:) First of all I am computor illiterate so please bare with me. I need to find someone who can set my mind at ease. I have done all the testing for the banding and after a year and a half of frustration and insurance problems, I am finally scheduled for surgery next wednesday Nov 8. I had to go for my final blood work and last visit today. My Dr. tried to talk me into the by-pass. He did that at the last visit also. I was never told before today that I have a small hiatal hernia. He said that it would be better to get the by-pass because of this hernia. I want the band because in my research I feel that it is so much safer. Please :help: I know that s…

Hi, I had the Bio Enterics Lap Band Surgery in Monterrey, Mexico with Dr. Rumbaut about 5 years ago. I live in San Jose , Costa Rica; at that time they did not made the surgery down here, but they do now. I had lost 70 Lbs, I am know at 175 Lbs, and maintained that weigh until now. I had the band deflated totally, and in three months I gained 30 Lbs. I am adjusting the band back on Monday. My band works great with 2.3 c.c., but that varies on everybody.

I've been feeling like a stalker in your lives....figured it was time to introduce myself, say Hi and Thanks for letting me lurk!! My name is Lisa, I'm a 38 year old, SAHM/farmer. I live south of Kansas City, one husband, 3 boys (an 11 year old and 7 year old twins). Started researching the band in June with high expectations of getting it done during the summer. Of course that didn't happen with insurance but all the doctor appts, psych eval and dietician appts. are over and waiting on approval from insurance copany. It will be 3 weeks tomorrow and I truly beleive it is the longest 3 weeks of my life! Every time the phone rings I run! Thanks for listening to me, w…

Hi, I have seen posts for August and September and even October, but no November yet... so why don't we start one now :clap2: Mine is scheduled for NOvember 7 with Dr. Rumbaut in Monterrey. MX. When is yours?

hi, i am new here---looked into RNY---too scary!--and now thinking about lap band with dr. ren/dr. fielding at nyu in nyc. anyone have any comments, experiences with these dr's, ideas, advice? i'm going for the nutrition/nurse meeting there this friday! i look forward to reading posts at this site--it looks very helpful. thanks all, girlin nyc

HELLO ALL!! My Name is Janet and I live in Commerce, TX. I am just starting the process. I found a doctor in Dallas that a friend of mine used for her banding last month. I called the docs office and got my information together as far as the steps I need to go through to get my insurance to pay. I have Aetna and apparently Aetna requires me to see a nutritionist, dietician and physician 1 a month for 3 months in a row and have everything documented. I have to wait at least until these appointment are done and documented before my surgeon will see me for my conultation and submit my information to Aetna for an approval. Does anybody out there know if Aetna normally approve…

Any words of advice for me using Aetna insurance to get my lap band? Do they deny the procedure the first time?

Please send me the contact information for a surgeon in the Washington, DC, Maryland or Virginia. I may have to self pay. I am new to this website and I find it encouraging. Thanks a lot

Hi !! My name is Terry I am in the process of getting the Lap-Band Surgery . I started this in July 2006 When my wife and I attended the informational seminar that my Cardiologist recommended, it took till October to get my appointments for the Surgeons R.N., dietitian and psychological evaluation. I have an appointment to see the Surgeon November 9th to go over every thing one on one. Then they will take all that paper work and summit it to the Insurance company for pre- authorization. When they receive it they will then give me the next Surgery appointment witch will be in late December or early January. The Surgeon doing the surgery is Walter Medlin M.D., F.A.C.S from…

Hello Everybody, I've been reading all of the message boards and get so much in depth information out of them thats extremely helpful. I am in the process of waiting for the "final approval" from the insurance company and then I will be joining the "banded" group...:clap2: I am so excited, I can hardly wait. Timeframe for my surgery is looking to be around the middle of November. I'll keep you all informed, and thanks for all the helpful tips. Deb

Hi everyone. I am new here and I have decided to have lap-band surgery. Though I have had some try to convince me to have RNY by-pass, I know that is not the right choice for me. I have total support from my husband and my family so I am SOOOO excited. I really can't wait to start this whole journey. I can't wait to hear all of your advice and to pick your brains:)

Good Morning. I am Randi, almost 36, mom of 2. I am starting to research LapBanding. I'm scared to tell anyone I am doing this because I am afraid I will hear the same crap.. "Diet and exercise". I have been "dieting and exercising" for 20 years. How much longer to people want to see me fail? I want to play with my kids. I want to be able to go to Six Flags and ride the rides with my kids and not be told im too big to ride. :think I was too scared to consider bariatric surgery. This seems less invasive. I know 3 people who has Gastric Bypass. All 3 look wonderful. I am jealous.:cry Anyhow, I just wanted to introduce myself. Whether I go forward or nor, I ne…

Hi, This is my first post, I am hoping to have my Lapband done in Nov. Bought liquid meal stuff and vitamins. Had the diet consult today. Need to take off 140 lbs.I am having my surgery in Springfield MO.

Hi, I was banded on Aug.30,2006 and have lost 41.5 pounds. Today I went for my second fill after only loosing 1/2 pound for the past two weeks. This is not easy, and I am not full after a fill. How should one feel after having a fill? Also, does the weight taper off. It was easier right after the surgery. I am having a problem knowing if this "hunger" is mental or not. I crave food, not sweets and am used to eating a lot. I love to cook and bake. Warmest regards to all and thanks for this site. Fran

Hi Everyone, I'm new to this forum and I'm thinking about having the lap band surgery. I have been to the seminar and was very impressed. However, I am a little scared. The doctors haven't actually performed this surgery, they are new to this. They have to do 4 surgeries on employees at the hospital and be approved before they can actually perform them on patients. I went to the ER for a bug bite and the male nurse said "You know if you lost some weight you could come off of some of your meds and be healthier" So I proceeded to tell him I was going to have the lap band performed and he said "ARE YOU SURE" "I have had 3 friends who had the surgery and 2 gained weight a…

Hi Everyone! My sweet hubby is scheduled for banding on Nov 6. There is so much good info here! I already saw the pre-surgery list and have taken my notes. I hope to be able to take good care of him. Any advice for the spouses?

After a couple years of refusing to even talk about WLS, the drs. have finally convinced me.. no, wait.. I've finally convinced myself that if I want to see my grandchildren, I've got to do this. Not for someone else, but for me. I'm 38, 280 pounds.. the highest I've ever been in my life.. and I don't intended to reach 290. EVER. This has got to stop, and for me, I know now, this is the only way. Hooray for me? I don't know about all that. What I do know is that I want to live to be really, really old. I don't even have a consult date yet. I *do* have the paperwork from the drs. website so that I can get an appointment. I *have* done my research on www.lapb…

I began this journey at almost 400 pounds. The day of surgery I was at 368 in june of 2004 and today I am 279. I am very active and still trying to get the rest of this weight of. I want to be under 200 in the next couple of years. I struggle making the right food choices. I try only to have healthy choices in my house. That works great for awhile and then I hit the brownie train. Why do I do this? I see a counselor. I see a nutritionist. I'm getting fills which really don':help: t help the junk food issues. Any ideas? I need help! Janet KC

Hi everyone, Im so excited about this whole procedure, and a little nervous also, i will be going to toronto to get it done, ive already been aproved for medical financing, so thats great.:clap2: If anyone has any advise for me please pass it on. talk to you all soon.

Hi. I got my lap-band July 28. I haven't lost much weight yet - I'm hoping my next fill will solve that - it's next Thursday. It will be my third fill with x-ray. As long as I eat slowly, take small bites and chew very well, I can basically eat as much as always (I'm strictly following the not drinking with meals, etc). I'm looking forward to the feeling of fullness that I should be feeling. I'm on the lower end for qualifying for surgery - BMI 36 with diabetes and high blood pressure, so maybe that's part of my slower weight loss. I'm trying to stay optimistic, but I need something to start happening soon. I've lost just 16 pounds since the surgery - a good part of that …

Hello All !! I'm a new bandster.. Had my surgery 10/25/2006 I'm so grateful to find this website . I'm doing good but find at times when i'm drinking that I have pain in my new baby stomach.. Kinda feels like reflux. Is this normal ???

I've been posting over at obesityhelp.com. I thought I'd check this site out since I have had a lapband. I had my lapband surgery on 10/17/06 and am doing really well. I just recently started on my full liquid/early mushies stage. I can tell a big appetite difference already. I have to admit... I can't wait to eat regular food again though, lol. I'm steadying my weight now, been kinda balancing same coupel pounds all week, probably making up from that first hardcore loss week I had. Anyway, I'm Stephanie and I'm from NC. My Dr is Dr Enochs in Wake Forest. I am very happy with my choice and will be lurking around for a while.

New to all of this. Interested in lap band. Done all the research and about to schedule doctor visit with Dr. Stevens in Lafayette, LA. Anyone out there familiar with Dr. Stevens? Wondering about out-of-pocket cost. Just got another turndown from insurance.

:hungry: Well Hello from Kansas! I am on the road of being a newbee bandster! I have my surgical consult November 8th and I am sure that I probably won't get the surgery done before January...oh well...a great way to start the new year! I see that lap band has a slower weight loss...some of the pictures I have seen are older ones and I am wondering is there somewhere in this new forum that I should look for updated pictures for encouragement? I need to know that lap band is the right surgery to have...I have 175 pounds to get off and I know it won't be over night...but I am hoping for at least 100 pounds in a year...too optimistic? Look forward to meeting eve…

Hello...My name is Heather and I am 28 yrs. old. I live in Springfield, MO. and my gynecologist talked to me a bit about having the lap-band procedure done. I am hesitant, simply because I am not educated on it. I hope and I do believe being a part of a support group/forum I will get plenty of information about this procedure I have not made an appt. to have it done, yet. Our hospital..St. John's is putting together a seminar for people to attend and ask questions, etc. It is scheduled for Nov. 20th and my husband....My support! is going with me. I would love any kind of support, ideas, opinions, suggestions that anyone could give me. Have a greatttttttttt day!…

:help: Greetings everyone!!! At the age of 48, I had my lapband surgery( or should I say re-birth) on 10/15/2004 By Dr. George Fielding At NYU Hospital. My weight the day of surgery was 268lbs., and by 02/2006 I weighted 131lbs. At that time I was hospitalized due to complications of Lupus and put on high dosages of steriods, which I am still on now but at a very small dose. In the process I now weight 184 lbs. and my weight just keeps slowly creeping up. I am so fearful of gaining back all the weight I gained that It has me depressed. I justam looking for helpful suggestions or encouragement. I am so glad that this forum is here. If there is anyone out there who has had …

Hi Everyone, I am having the surgery but just not sure where. My plan is to have it at Huacuz Surgical Center by Dr. Huacuz. Has anyone Lapband surgery from him? My husband, family and friends are worried about having it in Mexico yet I am not and it is half the price as USA. I don't have insurance that will cover it in the states. Please reply ASAP. Thank you.

Howdy from Fort Worth Texas! I just found this site, and wanted to check it out, get, and offer some support for anyone who might need it. I am fifteen months post op now, and doing great! I have hit my weight loss goal, and have lost 200 pounds. I feel great, better than I have in years, and almost as important as the physical aspect, feel better about myself that I have in a long time. I have gone from a 56 inch waist to a 38. I fought with insurance for months before getting approval, so I understand the frustrations of dealing with insurance. Where there is a will, there is a way though.:biggrin1:

I am new to the community. I am seriously considering Lap-Band. Does anyone know any federal goverment insurance carrier that will pay for the surgery w/o a lot of hassle. Are there any support groups in the DC Metro Area? Please tell me when you were 100% convinced that Lap-Band was right for you? Also, how much is the surgery if I have to self-pay? Thanks for all of the help.:clap2:

My name is Lisa and I live in Deep East Texas. I have been researching the lapband for over a year now. We do not have insurance so I will be self pay. The doctor I have picked is Dr. Ganta in Austin. He has been so great and answers all his email personally and quickly. Still saving money to have the procedure, but I'm looking at having it done within the next 4 months. He has a special for cash pay people of $13,500 and that includes the first year of follow-ups. General stuff about me I guess is I'm 5'6" and weigh 270 lbs. I need to lose 125 lbs and have been on almost every single diet you can name. I'm also Hypothyroid, and had thyroid cancer in 1996. …

I'm still trying to decide if this is right for me. I think it is, but would like to hear from anyone that have regretted getting it done. Thanks so much

I have been a guest for several weeks now... I have an appt. tomorrow to check it out... I know my ins. covers this procedure.. am so happy to have found the right tool for me... I just wanted to let you know its "myturnow!!" and I am ready:clap2:

I am 33 years old and had lap band surgery on Oct. 12, 06. I am trying my best to adjust but it very hard. I found this web site thru my search engine, and felt like it would be a great help!!!!:help:

Hello all. I had my lap-band surgery August 22, 2006. i have lost 43 lbs. I have hit a plateau in the last couple of weeks though. While that is frustrating, I am happy to be heading in the right direction. My surgeon is Dr. Groves in Albertville, AL.

Just found out last night that I am going in for the surgery on Nov 1st! My doctor is Dr. Spivak in Houston. I am excited and a little nervous too. I have about 50-60 lbs to lose. I am a little concerned about cravings and the bad habits with food that got me to this point in the first place. :nervous Any words of wisdom would be appreciated! Stephanie Before Surgery: 5'6" 196 lbs Goal: 140 - 145 lbs :clap2:

:girl_hug: Wanted to introduce myself. My name is Katt and I was "banded" on Friday, October 13, 2006. My surgeon was Dr. Leung/Surrey, BC. I am very excited as I have lost 25lbs. thus far! I am on clear liquids, and will be for 30 days (hope I can make it!). I thank God that He gave me this tool to help with my weightloss; I feel the band is going to help me achieve what I was not able to do on my own: eat from the Canada Food Guide food groups, exercise and eat "small" meals! Success will be mine! I look forward to chatting with y'all and sharing experiences. Katt.

had surgery in mid July and lost 15 pounds on post op liquid diet and soft food diet post op....just got my first fill today...not sure what to expect.... any advice