Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello I Am Planning On Being Banded. I Have Attended A Seminar Conducted By The Surgeon And Members Of His Weight Loss Team. My First Consulation Is September 21. I Was Told That I Could Have My Band On In About 12 Weeks. I Was Wondering If I Need To Start Taking Any Specific Vitamins In Prep For The Band.my Present Weight Is 229. My Goal Is 140!!!! I Will Be Having The Procedure In Pensacola Florida.

I was banded 7/05/06 and really have had problems ever since. The first three weeks I followed the diet plan to a tee. During the fourth week I ate something that didn't agree or something I still really don' t know what I did. Anyway, I started hurting up high and in the middle of my stomach when I would eat. Also when I would feel like I had to burp but not really I would swallow and it hurts really bad. I am not throwing up and do not have fever. My doctor thinks I am having acid reflux and maybe eating to fast and too big of bites. I am taking malox, pepcid, tum's, prolisec and etc. I get to feeling better for a couple of days and then I will start hurting ag…

Hello, I am new to your forum and think that this is the greatest source of information. I am considering having banding done. I will give you some background. I am 37 years old. I am 5'10" and weigh 246lbs. My bmi is 37.9 and I have obstructive sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes. I have had my tubes tied and therefore do not plan on anymore children. I am married with a 14 year old son. I have several reasons for wanting banding done. 1st and foremost, I am concerned about my health. 2nd, I feel hungry ALL the time. I do maintain a heathy diet about 90% of the time but because of the hunger I feel like a human garbage disposal. I have tried diet after diet after diet…

HI All, My name is Judy. I'm 46 ( I love being in my 40's ) married and a mother of two boys 17 and 14. I was banded back on January 9th. I have lost 61 lbs so far and have 29 more to go. I'm having such a hard time being patient with the last 30 lbs taking so long to come off when in reality I shouldn't complain about loosing 61 lbs in 7 months. Has anyone else had a real problem with golfballs? I'm about ready to yell FORE! every time I eat. I wish they could put a band around my head as well but I know anything worth while Is worth working for. Judy

hi, i forgot to introduce myself. my band slipped and was removed. my first band was covered by insurance and done here in the u.s. i would like to be rebanded in mx. with dr. rumbaut. does anyone know where to get fills in ca.? much thanks, lexi:confused:

hello everyone who reads this my name is Angi or just ANG is fine i have been doing some reading about the lap-band. I want to know EVERYTHING good and bad. about me i'm from michigan but live in missouri now pretty close to arkansas. i have 4 kids 18, 16, 7, 5 i think i have made up my mind to get this done, but now i need to see if insurance will cover it i'm hoping they will not give me the run around but i'm sure they will

Hi there, I've been reading the threads for a bit now, decided to jump in. I'm in Tx and keeping my fingers crossed, supposed to hear back friday on my financing. I'm planning on Monterrey with Dr. Sanchez, once the funding is in place. I'm a single mom with 2 adult daughters, and a 4yo daughter, also a new little grandbaby. I'd like to be around for them later, so for me, this is a step in that direction. I'm learning so much for reading everyones posts, and I'm so thankful to have found this site. Thanks to all for the cummulative wisdom that is shared!!!

Hi, Everyone My name is Virginia. I'm new to the site, I was banded in July 22nd, 2006 in Predras Negras ,Mexico by Dr,Jose Rodriquez, He is a very plesant Dr. since July 22nd, I have lost 14 lb's. I'm so very proud. it's a slow process but so far well worth every penny. My goal weight is to reach 110 lb's, it will be a long process but i'm willing to take the journey. I wish you all well. Thanks ...Virginia :clap2:

hi, i would like to be banded by dr. rumbaut. who do you use for fills in socal? thanks, lexi

Hello Everyone! I'm new around here. I'm 38 years old and weigh a whopping 285 pounds. I'm 5'8" and am still in the pre-surgical phase. I have had my orientation, the meeting with the internist, a surgical consult, and today I completed my tests: bloodwork, urinalisys and my endoscopy. Now all I'm waiting for is a surgery date. I'm SO excited! I started the process (orientation) on July 31. And I anticipate being banded before the end of September. I'm so excited. Since my surgical consult I have been exercising daily, trying to get my Protein in and I'm drinking tons of water! My surgeon has asked me to lose 15 pounds before surgery, and I've already take…

Hi, I am new to the website, but not to the band. I was banded December of 2004 and have went from a size 28 (sw-340lbs) to a size 22 (cw-275lbs). My height is "5'11".....I have such a long way to go, but I still look forward to the ride. I set short term goals for myself, but I am not sure of what I should weigh for my height requirement....and even my short term goals are taking longer to get to....Any suggestions? Please help:) Thanks, Brown-eye girl

Hello, I am 39, my BMI is 48 and I am beginning to have medical issues because of my obesity. I have started researching bariatric surgery and am hoping to be a lapband candidate. I am in Kansas and have been researching clinics and doctors in Wichita, Kansas City and Topeka. Any one have info for Kansas or Kansas City, Mo? I have gotten info from my insurance company on their requirements to approve the procedure and am going to see my primary care doctor next week to discuss a referral. I go to a seminar at the end of August to learn more. How long can I expect the approval processs to take?

Hello everyone A new warm body here to join you all in your weight loss adventures. I was given the address of this place by a friend, who (from what I've seen) has a pure addiction to this forum. I'm not sure where to start, but since this is the introduction thread, guess I should share some information yeah? I'm a young adult living in the midwest US and have been overweight most of my life. I've known about surgery options for getting help with this problem for a few years now but honestly have tried to keep them as far away as possible. My line of thinking used to be that, surely that would be taking the easy road out, wouldn't it? I realize now, many pounds ga…

Hello, This is my first day on the chat room. I am just starting to get thing together for the lap band. I am going to have it done in mid-October. I wish I was haveing it done tomarrow but I must be patient. I look forward to meeting new lappers. Just wanted to introduce my self and get started to a new me. I am married and involved in alot of things but want to do more. My weight has always been a problem, I weighed 183 in high school. Boy I would love to see that again. Actually I would love to see alot less. I weight 370 now and know with the support of my husband and family and now new friends like all of you I can do it. Thanks, Skinnyjenny:hippie:

I've been lurking around here for a few days now, and have finally decided to introduce myself. I am 20 years old and am scheduled to attend a seminar on August 24th. I am excited and SCARED all at the same time. I am so glad to read everyone's experiences and how positive they are. I have been overweigt almost all my life, and am at the heavisest I have ever been!!! Anyway, I can't wait to get to know everyone better! :wave:

Hey everyone! I am new to the whole lap band deal-- I was banded Friday, August 11!! I started back to school Wednesday and back to work Thursday!! I am 20 years old! I am very interested in talking with anyone about Lap Band!!! I have lost 4 lbs. so far?! I thought for sure I would have lost more!! Anyways--I look forward to talking to everyone!!!

I have been lurking here awhile, but decided to join and make use of the board's tremendous resources today. I got banded yesterday, and just got discharged from the hospital today.:clap2:

Hey There- I'm looking for someone that's getting banded on or near my band date of August 31st..Thought perhaps we could be 'band buddies' and compare how we're feeling, etc.. Anyone up for it?

Hello everyone - The items needed by my insurance company have been gathered by the surgeon's office. I'm waiting for an appointment for a psych visit. I'm anxious to find out if I'll be approved so I can get scheduled for the procedure.

Hello all! I am going to see a WLS doc on Tuesday, July 25th. I am excited and nervous. I have HealthSCOPE insurance. They told me I would need a letter of medical necessity, weight loss records over the years and psychological eval. It is my understanding that all this is normal. My bmi is 40 and I am 100+ overweight. I want this so badly. I want control! Anyone else have this insurance? Any suggestions for my first meeting with this WLS doc? Tonja

I am 39 years old , male and I am 7 weeks into my new life,I have lost 18 kg so far and have 44-50 kg to go. I live in Darwin Australia where the weather is great all year round. I am now finding out what will stay down and what wont.

My turn to get banded. I am so excited and nervous and the same time. I am ready for a life changing experience but terrified of failing. I have been thinking about getting banned for over a year. I been reading here for a month or so and can't tell you how much it has helped me make the final decision of getting it done. Thanks to those before and after pictures, they are awesome. My band date is 08-18-06 with Dr. Spivak in Houston. I hear nothing but great things about him. Wish me good luck and good health!! :nervous

Hello everyone -- oh how I wish this forum was around 2 years ago when I initially had mine done. I am having some serious issues/questions with the lapband now and wondering if it was the right thing to do or not. I found a post by someone who seems to be going through the same thing as me -- I think I will post my situation over there. It's so great to find you all though -- I hope to get to know some of you better!

Hi everyone I am on my second day of my 10 day pre-surgery diet I woke up this morning and said to myself,"oh it's saturday chinese tonight" Yeah right, how much food is such a part of my waking thoughts I can just feel a scream starting to form in my gut I am afraid I will go crazy when I can't eat what I want I went to a support group just to meet some other banders and they assured me yes, a scream may be in order, however, it wont be as bad as I am imagining Well I am thankful to be able to post even if it is just to cyber space

My surgery went fine, plus a hiatal hernia. the first three days were rough. I was so dopey I couldn't read, so I got off the pain meds fast. tody was my first check up, we ran around town and then I came home and mopped the kicten floor. Gonna take a nap and milk this. Plus I didn't know I was following the gastric bypass diet, and could have been on full liquids 3 or 4 days instead of clear for a week! Just had some creamy soup! I lost 10lbs in a week! and my diabetes seems to be normal with out the pill! Patti

I will be banded on Aug 21st and I am very excited! I had to go to great lengths for Aetna to approve - but I finally got the approval! I am pretty informed from all of you regarding the surgery and such, but I am trying to figure out how my life will change!!! I've always lived for eating out with my friends and family and now I am wondering what to do for fun! (I'm sure I will think of something!) Any suggestions of portable foods to take during the 2nd week after surgery? I will be going back to work and need to take something to satisfy me and I have no clue what to take and how much Water to drink, etc. I'm looking for any information you have to offer! Thank…

Hi, I have checked out the new program in Newport Beach. Anyone have any insight? I just have my appts set up right now, so surgery date yet. I have so many questions. I live in Orange County and would really appreciate a buddy to share experiences/questions with.

wow..I am scanning the forums and like all of you who have had this procedure, when you first heard about it and thought it may be for you....that is where I am. I have questions. 1. What does your BMI have to be to be a candidate. 2. What is a "fill" I am assuming that they blow up the band or something like that 3 Are the vast majority of you happy you did it and would you do it all over again if you had a choice?? 4 how hard is the recovery?? I have 2 little ones and cannot be down long. 5 Any canucks out there specifically in the Vancouver area that would know about local doctors? I am so happy for all of you that have found a solution "finally" I know…

Hi. I'm new to the forum and I'm researching lap band surgery, trying to have it done by the end of the year. I was wondering, how long does your weight have to be documented before being accepted for the surgery or what are some of the requirements to be eligible besides the BMI? Also, how long is the evaluation period from like when they say you can get the surgery and when you *actually* get the surgery? Thanks, Shannon

Can't sleep right now so I thought that I'd finally sign up on this site. I just had surgery 08/07/06. Still trying to get my meds worked out and I'm excited :clap2: as well as nervous about this step. Was in alot of pain the day of surgery but would be great to hear ideas to get back to "normal" about my daily life. I'm so glad that I don't feel alone anymore!

Hi, my name is Johni and I am 33 years old. I live in Salina Kansas and I am a mother to two wonderful children. My surgery is set for Aug 31, 2006 at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, Ks by Dr Malley. I am very excited! I have been lurking around here for quite some time and thought I would introduce myself. I have a long road ahead, I need to lose about 200 lbs. I hope to meet lots of new people on here and form some great friendships. Thanks, Johni

I feel hungry after a week out is this normal? I am tryiing to find yougat with the fewest calories any ideas?? How long did pain last? because i am having sharpe pain on my left side of my tummy all the way up to my neck... and other suggestions before i go back to school any one would like to share with me???

Hi everyone, So I have finaly made up my mind!! I am ready for this long and exciting journey of having a lap band. My best friend had one done yesterday (shes doing great). I am going off to nursing school sept 25th and need to make this possitive change in my life. My weight today is 280 down from 330 last year january. It has been a huge struggle and i have kept it off. The worst thing for me is the thought of gaining it all back. I am only 23 and have back and joint pain, with a history of diabetes and heat problems in the family, i need to get this under control. I am going to Mexico to have surgery. The price is reasonable and Dr. Ortiz is the most experianced.…

Hi! I am from St. Louis, MO. I had Lap band surgery on July 20th. Dr. Darin Minkin did my surgery. My highest weight was 380. The morning of surgery I weighed 347. I have already lost 20 pounds since the surgery. I am not hungry until the evening. I think I need a fill. I really like this forum!

I've Been Reading For A Month Now And I Now Have My Band Date Of 8-21-06. I'm So Excited To Be Here And To Start My New Life. My Dr Is Spivak In Houston. First Visit Was 317 And My Heaviest Was 348. I Do Not Have A Web Site Nor Do I Know How To Create A Ticker Tape. PLEASE HELP! LADYDI

Hi! I'm scheduled for surgery 8/24/06, and I am SO excited. I'm paying for the band out-of-pocket, but I consider it to be a great investment since I come from a long line of health issues! I have not had to do a pre-op diet, and I'm not sure why. Any ideas? Also, I would love to hear tips/expectations from you all! Thanks! Lisa in TN

Hello everyone!!! I am so very happy I found this site!! I have so many ?'s but my first and most important one is this. How do u know if the band is in place? I was banded in April and did not get my first fill for 2 months. I have only had that one fill and I can eat ANYTHING!!!! I can eat a whole sandwhich with no trouble. I hardly ever feel full or "restricted" and I am worried that the band is not in the right place. I don't go for a 2nd fill until the 28th of this month and I am almost back to my starting weight!! Does anyone have any ideas or words of advice? I welcome all. thanks in advance:omg:

Hi Everyone.... I'm new to this forum but it looks like I'll be checking in regularly before and after surgery. What a great source of knowledge and shared experiences. I have been scheduled for my Lap-Band Surgery August 15. I am VERY excited...although I have it hidden on my profile (some people have age prejudices), I'm 59 years old and have been dealing with weight issues since I was 9 years old. Up - down - up - down...well, you know the routine. When I inquired about gastric bypass at my current hospital (Mission in Asheville) they told me I was too old (Harumph) They then gave me information on the Lap-Band technique. After a lot of research, I became convince…

Hi, my name is Cheryl and I'm in Idaho. I was scheduled to be banded on Monday, August 14th. At my appointment yesterday my Dr. told me I hadn't lost enough weight yet (15 lbs.) so it's postponed until Sept. 11th. I was extremely disappointed and discouraged. I felt it was a huge accomplishment to have lost any weight but he did not even acknowledge what I had lost. So I'm continuing my struggle but still looking forward to the band. My starting weight was 356 and I'm down to 341. So I obviously have a long way to go, but I'm excited. I'm looking forward to the information and communication I know I will find on this site!

Hi i am Lorin from IL just got banded on 8-4-06 Jst a week into it... I am going back to college in two weeks...My question is Dies the band work right away , i do feel hungery more then i think i should. but i fallow the doctors orders... he said i can start eating eggs... i eat two no problem... it this weird... also did people have problem going to the bath room and making #2 the first weeK??? also with the yougat which one has the least caloires they are hard to find...Let me know thanks

I got my band yesterday (Thursday) from Dr. Myers in Chicago. I was on the liquid fast for two weeks prior, and my body is not really happy about going back to clears, but I can go back to regular liquids on Monday. I had bad shoulder pain last night, but it's gone now, but my stomach is very bloated, and my incisions are sore. Walking is okay, sitting is not so okay. The doctor gave me liquid vicodin, and it makes me a lot more comfortable. Doing a LOT of sleeping! I lost 18 pounds on the pre-op diet, and have about 60 to go. My insurance approved it right away, because I have GERD, sleep apnea, high cholestrol, a bad disc in my back, and actually got a stress fracture…

Hi.. Im Kelli. Im a 27yrold single (engaged) mom to three. ages 5, 2 and 18 months. I just very recently heard about lap band. I had considered gastic bypass several time in the last few years... but was always too nervous of the risks. I heard this is something so different and definantely less risky. I would like any info you all can give me! Costs,is it allupfront? payments? risks? what to expect.... :nervous Thanks!

Hello everyone. I'm researching banding, probably in Mexico for Jan 2007. Self pay, of course. I'd like to hear from folks from this area who are banded or planning to be, to get some support groups started and maybe exercise groups. I'm enjoying the on-line support, but would like to have someone to actually go through this process with :help: . I need all the help I can get. Looking forward to chatting with all of you:p .

Hello everyone, I will be banded Sept 1 in tj by Dr. Ortiz, can't wait! :clap2:Anyone else banding at that time? okiegirl

Hello everyone. I am scheduled for the lap-band with Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana on 8/30. I look forward to any advice that you can give this 34 year old guy that will make the experience enjoyable! Thanks, Scott

Hello everyone! I'm so glad to have found this forum. I was banded on June 22, 2006 and received my first fill last Wednesday, August 2nd. I'd lost 14 lbs. before the fill and have lost 6 more since. Before the fill I could eat whatever I wanted though I followed the diet pretty carefully. I was happy with the weight loss (I started at 244),less joint pain, lower blood pressure, etc. Since I've had the fill (8 days) I am constantly in pain. One bite (cottage cheese) can cause radiating pain through my chest and back that lasts several hours. Same thing with a sip of water or no-calorie Crystal Light. When I can drink 3 oz. of water over an hour and a half it's miraculous.…

Hi I was banded on 3/22 and today went for my 3rd fill. I was banded by Dr. Spivak. Weight at surgery was 268 now I am 248. This has been a slow process for me. I have the small band and was filled with Omnipack today and was filled to 3.2. As I sit here right now I am gurgling. But just the first day. We will see. I want it to go quicker. Hopefully now it will. L

Hi everyone, I was bannded on 7/25/06. I feel really good, and I can't wait to get out there and start exercising!!! I was wondering if anyone has done Pilates post Lap band? If anyone has words of wisdom, please send them this way!!! My first fill will be on Friday, Does it feel much diffrent? Thanks Gia:)

Hi everyone, I'm so glad I've found this place. After reading through, I guess I'm quite luky, as my insurance has paid 99% of this, there was a 500.00 fee from the hospital, not quite sure what it was for. I had my band implanted last Wensday evening, Brigham & Woman's Hospital, Boston MA- Dr. Ashley Vernon is my surgeon. They scheduled me for 2 pm, I didn't go into surgery until 6 pm. Never having had surgery before, I was a nervous wreck. Plus, I sent my husband home, because he is high maintenance. So I waited alone. The post op team was great, nurses on the floor were fine, but, I wish they had forced me to spend one more night in the hospital, as my first night…

Hello all, New guy here. I live in Texas and am just starting the process of Lap Banding. I go for my first consultation appointment next Thursday (08/17). I have pretty much made up my mind that this is something I have to do. I have been heavy all my life and nothing has seemed to work fo rme. I'm 40 and figure if I don't have this done now, I may have very well already seen over half of my life but if I lose the weight I may live to see 80, heck maybe even 90! My goal right now is to get banded in January of this coming year. I look forward to all your suggestions, information and support. I'll be lurking around here somewhere.