Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I am new to this type of thing...e-mail is about as high tech as I have gotten until now, so bare with me. My name is Terri and I am in the process of planning for Lap Band surgery. I am leaning towards Dr. Ariel Ortiz in Tijuana, Mexico. I am hoping for March, unless I can get financing including trip expenses sooner. I would love any personal experience about inexpensive doc's, financing options and whatever else may be helpful to me. Thanks! ~Terri

This is my first post...so glad I found this forum! I am scheduled and ready to go. Really don't know what to expect in the beginning. Have a couple of girlfreinds who have done lapband and have been so happy with the results. I will go for pre-op on the 17th- hopefully I will feel better informed then. Dr Spiegel in Houston is my surgeon. Am completely confident in his ability to get it perfect. So far, feel like the process (signing up/seminar) seems like bit of a cattle call, but hope to have my opinion changed on the 17th when I spend more time at the clinic. Looking forward to finding the old me again when I peel back some of these fat layers.:biggrin1:

Hello all! I've lurked here a few weeks while contemplating my options. I'm now schedule for banding with Dr. Joya in Puerto Vallarta on Oct. 27th. I'm slightly nervous but more excited. I look forward to sharing the journey with you fine folks.:clap2:

Hello, I have a consultation booked next week. A couple of years ago, the doctor found a very small hital hernia. Would this stop me from getting the lap band? Thank you, DMiele.:phanvan

:puke: Let me start by introducing myself! I am 42 yr old female, living in Ronkonkoma, Long Island. My surgery will be at BHMH by Dr. Brackmen. He is new to this Hospital but has done the banding in St. Cathrine's and Winthrop hospital. As you can see I am having the Lap-Banding done this MONDAY at 8 am! Right now I am more excited than anything else!! I am sure come Monday I will feel a little :nervous . If anyone out there can give me more insight with how I will feel with the banding I would love to hear from you! I know many that have had the Grastro but not the banding. I would like to know what kind of weight loss I can expect with in the first week. I know the my …

I had my lap band on Aug. 23 '06. I basically haven't lost any weight since my first 2 weeks. I have lost 18 lbs. but then I will lose up to 5 lbs then gain it back. I can't seem to get over the hump. I've had 1 fill and am trying to get another one at 5 weeks before I leave for vacation. I'm eating too much they say at the doctors office. She (the lady head of the program) said I only need to eat 1/2 cup of food at my meal 3 times a day. When I try to do this I starve all day. How can you only eat a 1/2 cup of food and not starve?? All I do is think about food, that why I was fat, about 240 when I had my lap band. I'm hoping after the next fill that I can eat less.…

New to LPT, not new to the band. I was banded about 20 months ago after researching the band for over 2 years. I made it to my pre-plastics goal in 17.5 months. I lost 154 lbs during that time. I have the larger Inamed VG band, currently at 5ccs. My sweet spots have varied from 5ccs to 9ccs over the time I've been banded. I've been too tight three times (each at a lesser volume than the time before). I had an issue with esophageal dialation at 15 months that was resolved by an unfill for 3 weeks. Beth

Iam new here but I've been reading the post for about 2 weeks now. I do have a question, I go to my seminar Monday Iam so excited! I want to tell everyone but learned that telling everyone will turn me against everything. People dont understand. Anyways, Iam 5'11 278 lbs with high blood pressure and depressed. Iam not happy with me and the way I look and its time to start feeling better about myself so I talked to my doc about the surgery. When I talk to my friends at work all they want to do is talk me against it. So Iam looking to find some new friends here. Iam from Louisville Kentucky just needed to ask is there anyone out there around my size that had the surgery? A…

Hello, I'm new to the site, just got banded August 14th, it's been an adevnture and a real learning experience so far, a little tough sometimes, but I'm very excited about my new direction. Wish I had known about this site a couple of weeks ago, there's so much good info here, it would have saved me a bunch of silly worrying and questions. Thanks so much for all the great info, I've learned more in the past 2 days than I had since surgery:p

Hello, My name is Doriana. My husband and I have the Lap Band Consultation next week. I'm so excited. I've read so much about the lap band. One question, I have a small hital hernia. Could I still be a candidate? Thanks, Doriana:)

I have a surgery date of 10-26. Scared but excited too! I will be having my surgery in Richardson Tex. by Dr. Benivedas. Anyone else out there that has had surgery there or by him. I would like to hear from you about your experience. Thanks so much! Nanette:cat: :cat: :cat: :cat: :cat: :cat: :cat: :cat: :cat: :fear: :cat: :cat: :cat: :cat: :angel:

Hi everyone, I've been a regular visitor to this site and decided it was about time I introduced myself. I had my band done on the 25th of July and have lost 15 kilos so far. I dont know how many pounds that is. My starting weight was 118kg and I'm 5'2" tall (or short) Hope to be a regular contributer to this sit and I have to say that the photos of everyone are so inspiring!! Talk soon, Divakaz

Hello everyone, just wanted to see how this site was. I am just getting started with all of my paperwork for my lap band surgery if anyone has any advice I would love to hear from you

Waiting for surgery date to be banded. Just had my mental health exam and passed! I am 51 yrs old married with 3 young adult children in college and I have support from all of my family. I am not sure about some of my friends and coworkers but I am ready to deal with that. I appreciate support from all of you, my new found friends!

I just registered with this forum today and I wanted to introduce myself. My name is Geoffrey, 55yo, and live in Bothell ('burb of Seattle), WA. I have been a Registered Nurse for 22 years. I had my lap band surgery on Oct 3rd, '06, by Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana, Mexico. Before any of you freak out about the location, I want you to know this facility was excellent, and so was my physician. Extremely clean, deluxe rooms, and excellent care. I decided to not battle with my insurance company, because I knew I wouldn't qualify. So I paid privately. Anyway, all is well with me and I have lost 17 lbs.. I am going to have my first fill in mid November. Hope to be talking wi…

Hi! I'm a 26 year old wife and mother and I will be going for my lap band surgery on Nov. 6th - I am so excited!! I am currently on Optifast for three weeks to help shrink my liver before surgery. My surgeon is Dr. Bessler at Columbia Presbyterian in New York. I'm extrememly motivated about this, but also scared that I'll end up cheating and messing up and fail. That is just unacceptable to me. If I'm having surgery, than by god, it's going to work!! Hope to get to know you better! Janey

Hi all, I am from Lincoln, Nebraska, and I'm planning to have the lap band done sometime this fall or winter. My surgeon is Dr. Hung. I am 5'4" and weigh 243. I'm looking forward to talking with you all and getting lots of new info from these forums. Thanks!

Hi my name is lucy and I'm at my last stages of getting my lapband approve by my insurance company. I,m very excited at the same time very scared, hopefully lab band forum will help me with some of these fear. Thankyou.

Hi! I was banded on 10/6 at Lenox Hill and I've lost, depending on my obsessive weigh ins 13 or 14 pounds. I'm in NY and have started a weight-loss blog (see my signature). I like to hang out with the Texans at the DFY Bandsters group. My goals are to get enough protein and stop weighing myself obsessively, and to keep working out as much as I can. And a few other things along the way!

Just a quick hello from chilly Edmonton, Alberta. Yeah! It's cold and snowy...best put on some layers on top of the usual "no one will notice I'm a chub with 2 tank tops, 3 sweaters (including the one your grandma knitted for you when you were 12-you know the one that was huge in the body, one sleeve that looks like it was fashioned for an immigrant Giraffe and the other one, well, let's just say "you should just be happy with the one sleeve and stop complaing!") and the always eligant "Ode to a canvas window awning" parka. "And in this corner!!" My stats... Surgery is scheduled for March '07. Dr. Cobourn in Toronto. 5'2 and 220lbs a daily struggle with the laws …

Just had my lap-band done three weeks ago. Went to monterrey, Mexico with my husban and we were very happy with everything. the staff of Dr Rumbaut were excellent the hospital was so clean and up to date. They took care of me better then I have been taking care of here in the states. They e-mail me just about every day and want to no how I'm doing.

Hi all, I am from Lincoln, Nebraska, and I'm planning to have the lap band done sometime this fall or winter. My surgeon is Dr. Hung. I am 5'4" and weigh 243. I'm looking forward to talking with you all and getting lots of new info from these forums. Thanks!

Hello. I am in Ohio and was banded last Wednesday. Things seem pretty good so far. I have to admit that some of the posts on this forum are scaring me. I am glad I started reading them AFTER I had the surgery. haha..

This is my first post here and I'm nervous. This is something I want to do, something I *need* to do. I'm hoping there is someone in my area (Torrance, CA) that could possibly help someone who is totally uninformed and guide me along the way. I can't wait to jump in and start reading and learning. Thank you for all of those who have gone before me and have shared your journeys.

Hello, :wave: I'm being 'banded' November 6th at NYU Med CTR by Dr. Ren. :nervous I thought I'd look into an on-line info/support site. Found some great pre-op tips in the FAQ. Thanks JG :cup:

Hello all, I am going to my first seminar next week. I am currently....oh wait let me weigh so I am not fibbing............geez ! 273 lbs.:help: . I am just getting started on the journey and I am scared to death. I am currently a pack a day smoker, who has no other health problems, except a few mental. I am wanting to meet people who are on the road to getting banded or who have recently been banded. Am I going to have to quit smoking? I know that sounds like a stupid question, but I cannot imagine doing this with out one vice. Please help!

I am planning on having Dr. Argotte do my surgery. I am hoping to find someone that had it done by him.

:clap2: Hi all, I went to see Dr. Spivak yesterday and already have my surgery scheduled! I am so excited but also a little aprehensive about the changes that this will mean. I was really impressed with the presentation at his office, and especially with having the opportunity to talk to the people in his office that have had the surgery and were so willing to share their experiences with me. Wish me luck! I'll keep you posted and try to figure out how to set up the little weight loss thingie that I see most people in here have.

Hi everyone, my surgery date is Oct 19th, 2006 in Toronto, Canada. When I first inquired about the procedure, the clinic did not have approval to take American patients and now they do. I did not meet the requirements for surgery here in the US. My BMI was not quite high enough. I volunteered to gain more weight (ha ha!) but everyone kept telling me "diet and exercise, diet and exercise". Gee, why didn't I think of that. So off to Canada I go. I am really starting to feel the anxiety now but it feels motivating to me. I can't wait to get started and begin a new life.

Hello, I was banded 9 weeks ago by Dr. Rick Fromm in Dalton Georgia (part of Dr. Jaime Ponce's group). No complications from surgery and doing well postop. Haven't had a fill yet and down 42 pounds. Life is good;) Tamara

I am new to this forum. I am scheduled to have the Lap Band procedure with the Illinois Bariatric Center in Clinton IL on October 31, 2006. I guess I am lucky because my insurance approved the procedure with our first request. I start my liquid diet on Tuesday, 2 weeks prior to my procedure. I will have having the surgery around 7:30 that morning and will come home later that afternoon. It is about a 40 minute drive to my home just outside Springfield, IL. I look forward to reading posts and learning from every one's experiences. Terri

I am a new member to this group. I am from NJ and scheduled to get banded on October 23 in NYC by Dr. Fielding. I am currently on a two week liquid diet and weigh about 311. I am so excited about having this surgery. I would appreciate and positive encouragement.:confused:

Well, after a long period of research I have made the decision to have Lap-Band surgery. Thanks to everyone who posts on this board, as I have been lurking around for a long time and have found this community to be helpful. About me: Male, a little over 40, 5' 10" and a little over 335 pounds and live in Central Texas. To be banded on December 19th in Monterrey, Mexico by Dr. Rumbaut. Thanks again to everyone. This board has been a wealth of informaiton and support for me already. Take care. Jeff

Anyone awake at this hour? I had surgery last Wed the 4th and would like to chat with others that are going thru the samething.

Hi Everybody, I am new to posting on this site, although I have been lurking here for quite a long time. I am trying to have the surgery as soon as possible. I will be a self-pay person because my insurance has disallowed ANY type of weight loss surgery for any reason! I would love to know if anyone has used Dr. Adam Naaman in Houston. What did you think of him? Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.Thanks!

Hi, I am Shelly, from Ohio, I am considering the lapband surgery. I have United Medical Resources as my insurance company. I don't know whether they will pay for it or not.

Hi , I have been browsing this forum for a few days and have found lots of useful information. My name is Tanya, I am 38 , married with four children. I had my lap band surgery on the 26/9/06. So far everything seems to be going well, although I am feeling hungrier as the days go on. I am due to have my first fill on 3/11/06 and can't wait to truly get this show on the road:) I finally decided to have the band after yet another embarrising day at work, I am a midwife and had just delievered a baby to a mum who was squatting, so I was lying on the floor, baby delievered and I passed her up to a delighted mum, then had to get her partner to help me up !!! I started at…

Hello, This is my first time writing, I have been reading about everyone. Ya'll have given me such great insights and advise, I feel excited and more positive when I finish reading about everyone and the progress..... I'm so proud of all of ya'll and it makes it easier to be proud of myself.. I was banded 8-21-06 in mx. Great experience.. I have healed with no problems I started out at 225 now I'm at 204 and I'm feeling so good about myself... I like looking in the mirror again....lol I will have my first fill Mon. the 16th I'm sooo ready.... I have been able to eat more lately so the extra restriction will be great...:clap2: well I just wanted to say hi to everyo…

:clap2: After months of insurance tango, I have just received my insurance approval! November 9, 2006. To say I'm excited would be putting it mildly. Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get lucky! YEE HAW!

Hello all, I went to a lapband seminar tonight that focused on the band. I had gone to another seminar last week but they were definitely more into gastric bypass although they perferm lapband surgeries too. I have done a lot of research and have been lurking here for weeks - I really want to go with the band. Now, I guess, it is just of matter of going through the pre-op stuff and waiting on insurance. I have A LOT to lose - 142 pounds to get to goal (150 lbs). This site is great and everyone seems to be so supportive. I am really looking forward to making the leap into bandster life.

Hi Everyone, By way of introduction, my name is Christine. I had vertical banded gastroplasty in on 1/25/2005 (think 'non-adjustable' banding .. with staples!). I lost 60 lbs and then the staples blew ... and then I gained 30 of those 60 lbs back! YUCK! I had lap band surgery (as a revised to the vertical banded gastroplasty) on 8/21/2006. Dr. Ken Bryce was my surgeon (for both surgeries). He had lap band surgery himself and I figured if it was good enuf for him, it was good enuf for me too. I have lost 25 lbs since 8/21. I will be having my first fill in a few days and have read the "make the most of your fill" post - excellent info in that post. I am really look…

Hello everone, Hi this is my first time, I am 41 years old and living in North Yorkshire with my husband Paul and my 3 children. I am hoping to be banded in May 2007 by the Elyzea clinic in Belgium. I am hoping to lose a little weight before then though. Has any one else been banded in Elyzea clinic in Belgium I would be grateful to know how it went (good or bad) as im nervous about leavin the UK for surgery. loopieann:help:

Hi! I got my band on Sept 27th - I live in Everett, WA - Dr Michaelson is my doc - so far so good. Just started soft food - went to Oktoberfest this weekend - I would have killed to at least lick the kraut & dogs! Looking for help and support - people tell me this is the hardest part - I hope so. Am I supposed to be dieting now or just worrying about getting enough calories? :help:

I just had my procedure done in Tijuana Mexico a few weeks ago. I'm looking for a doc in the Maryland/D.C./Northern Virginia/Southern PA area. Any one have any suggestions?

hello im new to the lap band community.i havent had the procedure yet but i attending my first seminar oct 18 im excited but still need advice from people who have had it done.so im from the dallas texas area ive heard about dr.carter and dDr.benivedes are any one had an exception dr let me know thanks

Hi I just wanted to say hello to everyone. I have not been banded but my pcp suggested it and said to come here for advice and support. I am having many medical problems because of my weight. I am also a juvenile diabetic. I have alot of insurance questions. My pcp said this would be a good source of information. So hello to all and I hope to chat soon.

Hi guys! I am new to this site. Just banded on September 19th by Dr. Spivak in Houston. So far this has been a mysterious yet marvelous experience. I just wanted to thank you for having such an organized and informative site. I am quite a ways away from Houston and so have found this site to be one of my first go-to places when I am confused or curious about what is happening. Again, thanks!

I'm new to this forum. Actually I have never been in any forum type site, chat room or anything else. I was banded in Monterrrey Mexico on September 22, 2006. My starting weight was 305 lbs and I'm down to 290. I have some big concerns that I'm hopeing someone can help with. I started my musshies 4 days ago and I'm feeling no restriction what so ever. I don't feel full, I have never felt nausiated. Is this normal until your first fill? I was hopeing my body would tell me "no" a little more severely. Any thoughts will be greatly appreciated. Thanks:help: teach math

Hello all, I just made my first deposit, to have my Lap-Band in Dubai in Jan. I was wondering if anyone can tell me, how much fill do they put in right after surgery, or if any at all? How much fill does the band hold approx? Are the fills painful, or just uncomfortable? :bandit I am nervous, but I know Dr Christiaan De Bruyne is one of the best in Europe. his track record is amazing. I am sure we all have those "hunger pains" but how are they after surgery? Does this procedure just make you unable to eat large portions, or does it actually make you feel full with less? Thanks all!

Leaving today for Monterrey. Couldnt sleep last night so I thought looking around on the threads would put my mind:nervous at ease. Im excited!!!! Anyone else out there getting banded 10/10??