Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

my name is sharla coates and i was banded on august 5, 2006. i was banded in monterrey, mexico by dr. sanchez.

This is my first post on this or any other web site. I am almost 6 weeks post-op. I go tomorrow for my first fill. I weighted 240 lbs. the day I had my surgery. I lost 10 lbs. the first 2 weeks and then another 5 lbs. I seem to have stopped and it really is depressing to go through surgery (which I had to pay for) and the recovery and and I have only lost 15 lbs. I sure hope things go better after my fill tomorrow. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Hi, My name's John, I'm 40 years old and I live in Blackpool, England. I'm 22 stone (not sure what that is in pounds) and have decieded to go ahead and have the band fitted sometime in September, which I paying for myself. Reading all your messages has given me a big boost about the operation, also seeing your before and after photos, tell's me I must be doing the right thing, can't wait to post my own photo's in the future. :clap2: Nice web site.

Just saying hello! I was banded on June 1 in Cincinnati by Dr Fegelman at the Jewish Hospital. Everything with the surgery went fine and including the weight loss during the presurgery phase, I'm down about 29 pounds. As a result of the diet changes and weight loss, however.....my gall bladder decided to collect a few stones and I had it taken out this past Monday. Also with Dr Fegelman at Jewish. Both of these surgeries have had me off work quite a bunch this summer and it has been great. I am catching up time with family and friends and Days of our Lives!

Hi Everyone! I discovered you all about a month ago, and I can't believe how much "lurking" around this website has helped me already! I finally got up the courage to request a referral from my G.P. after going back and forth about this surgery for at least a year! On Monday, I will be making the appointment for the consultation --- Yeah!! :clap2: You all have made me feel strong and positive about this. Now I can't wait to become a "member of the band"!! Thank you for being here and I look forward to continuing reading your friendly, helpful and supportive posts. You are a wonderful group!

Hi, I just got my date which is 8/30/06....I am excited but really nervous....I've been reading all the post and am really nervous about any complications. I'm self pay and can't afford much in the way of complications....hoping for a great result!

Hi every body, the date August 8th, the time 6am, the place Atlantic City Medical Center NJ. I'm all ready, packed etc. bootcamp done. I know what is going to happen, but now it's getting real. I need you guys! I am excited to start my new life! and be healthy, I guess it's normal. Patti

Hello All, I am so glad to have found this site as I cannot find any banders here in HK. (obesity is hardly a problem here) I weigh 268 pounds BMI 39 & have been suffering from diabetes for the last 2 years. My insurance company has refused to cover the surgery so I am trying through the govt system , maybe I have to pay for half the surgery but I have to wait 2 months to see a doctor. Before I do so I have several queries pleae can someone help me: Is there a lot of vomiting after the surgery? My biggest fear is vomiting, I seem to have some kind of phobia about this - I can count that I have ONLY vomited 3 times in my entire life. After a year or so can o…

Hi all--I was "banded" on July 19/06 in New Brunswick, Canada. So far, so good. I am feeling amazingly well, except for the pesky hunger and my craving of all foods solid...I don't ever want to eat broth again...but I suppose I'll have to. And that case of peach Resource (a clear liquid Protein drink) I bought leers at me from the refrigerator every time I open it YUCK. I get my staples out in two days (YAY) and get a fill in about 3 more wks...about the time I was told I could get back solid food:hungry:...an evil trick I think, because don't I have to "eat" liquids again for a few days after a fill? Anyway, I am excited to be starting this journey and t…

Hi Banders, I am to have my surgery within the next few weeks and am looking forward to the NEW me. This is really a nice site, lots of down to earth advice on food, exercise and everything!

Hi All, My name is Terri and I live in SLidell, Louisiana. I was banded in 8-05 in Mexico by Dr Joya! He was great! I just found this board and hope to spend many hours getting tolearn more things about this fickle thing i call the love of my life!!!

Hi to anyone who reads this. I started "studying" the possiblilties of banding back in January 2006 because I just couldn't come to terms with the idea of the gastric bypass. I went to a seminar, did pre-op workups and met with surgeon by April-ish. I waited until summer to have the surgery. I am three weeks out and have lost around 35ish pounds. :clap2: Am I thrilled that I had the surgery. Hmmm..no...but am I glad i did it?? Yes. I made a few mistakes going into the surgery for instance it was way too long of a wait between April and July. I was so excited at first I was flying but had time to come down and get cold feet as the date approached. I knew I had to make some…

I am planning to have the Lap Band surgery done in Tijuana at the Cosmetic Surgery Center. So far I can find nothing negitive about having this procedure done in Mexico, but a few of my family members are concerned for my health. My twin sister had her band done in may/05 and has lost 120lbs. Dr. Fox in Dallas did her surgery, she informed me today most Drs in the US won't touch a band done in Mexico and I had better find someone before I even sched my surgery to do my after care. My questions are can anyone tell me a Dr. in the Ft. Worth area who would see me and had anyone had the lap band done at this or any clinic in Tijuana? Thanks , Candy

It's so weird, I just went to the seminar and I already have all my paperwork and my psych eval done and now I am kind of dissapointed. I had thought about lapband and drug my feet, and then I decided to do it and now I can't seem to wait! lol I want to get started now! I want a ticker and want to be a great big loser too! Alas, since I can't stand the weight, I guess I have to wait! lol The doctor says he is back logged and I can't even have my consult until late October <pout>. Maybe by then Medicare will have already approved it and I can get a surgery date for December (If it's December then I wont miss classes). Well, I just wanted to vent and am kind of hoping…

Hi, everyone. I was banded Wednesday, July 26, 2006. I live in Houston and my doctor is Hadar Spivak, M.D. I've come to this site many times as a guest when doing research and got so much good information from all the postings. Thanks to all of you.

Hi All, my first time posting after lurking for about a week. I have been thinking and researching lapbanding for awhile now,and I had finally decided this is truly the path I want to take. BUT today I found out my insurance will cover the surgery for a BMI of 40 or greater, mine is (only!) 38. So, my first plan of action is to intentionally gain the addional 10 or so pounds so it will be covered. Does this make any sense to any of you?? Or am I being silly??? I have never been told I'm not fat enough before!!! Thanks for any suggestions.

I have just recently joined the board and have been devouring all the info shared here. I am cosidering taking the plunge and having a band put on. My Neurologist has been suggesting it for a while, and this past Thursday she really PUSHED for it. First, I'm worried by insurance (BCBS of TX) won't cover it. But I have loads of comorbidities that really support this as being necessary for me and not "cosmetic". I have Multiple Sclerosis, sleep Apnea, fatty liver disease, and borderline Type 2 diabetes. I am 39 and mother to a 10 year old son (who I'd like to be more active with). I'm presently checking into two doctors on my insurance plan right now. Dr. Robert Sn…

Hello everyone. I've been lurking for awhile and have decided to come out of the shadows and ask some questions. I'm considering banding, but am doing considerable research before I make he jump. I've visited some local forums as well as this one and am concerned about the number of problems people have seem to have after being banded. I see people talking about being hungry all the time, vomiting, not being able to eat a variety of foods, losing their hair, needing more surgeries, etc. Am I reading these things because people who are having problems tend to be the ones who post, or do most people encounter multiple problems after being banded?

I was wondering if any post op bandsters have considered using Nutrisystem as a help for losing weight. I am 2 years out and at a stand still. I am at a comfortable restriction and dont' wish to have any more but still need to lose more weight. thought maybe someone would have some advantages or disadvantages to trying the system to see if it would help get the last 25-30 lbs off.

Hi all! My name is Patti and I have just attended my seminar and started my paperwork. This forum has been such a huge help for me, you all are an inspiration! I have spent countless hours lurking in the corner and was going to wait until I had my banding...but common sense says it may take a really long time to get my date, so I wanted to come in and say hi and meet my new friends and support system! Hope to be a big loser soon!! ~Patti

I had my first visit yesterday with Dr Curry in Cincinnati. No psy eval, but he wants to do an egd. I would have rather seen a shrink. Anyway now I have to wait for the insurance to ok all this before I can set my surgery date. I have a feeling this wait will take forever:rolleyes:

Hello Everyone. I have heard about lap band surgery a few years ago and never though it was possible for me to get the surgery done. A friend of mine had it done as a test when it was fairly new and it is now offered here in my area. I checked http://www.obesityhelp.com and looked under the insurance area and most people with the insurance I have were accepted. I hope to be as well. I am 26 with depression, skin problems, mood swings, and low low self esteem. I had sleep apnea but my tonsils were removed fixing that. My mom has always been against these surgeries and always told me that she isn't letting me get one but with the technology these days and obesity running…

I will get my band next month. Everything has been sent to the insurance company, but I don't think they'll approve. I've got everything they need, but no six month physician monitored diet. If I'm not approved, I plan to pay out of pocket. Can't wait to join you group of huge loosers! s1m1, 8/1/06 338Lbs

Has anyone had lapband surgery with Dr. Ameri? What was your experience with the procedure and him?

:help: OK-this may be a dumb question but how do you get those cute tickers on your posts? i went to the website but after making my ticker i had no idea what to do next?! banded 7/25/06

I was banded 3/16/06. My doctor was Gail Wynn in DE (CHRIAS). I am down 51 pounds since my last weigh in (June 2nd). I had no pain or complications, I am happy with my surgery. :rofl:

Hello all, I am BeachBumFl, aka Donna, and I was banded June 8,2006 and had my first fill July 27th. I started at 240 and today (July 30) I am 225.5. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone. facts about me: I am about to be a grandmother any day- a girl. I am so excited. I have a black chihuahua, Sadie, I love to pieces I am married to a wonderful man - for 16 years now. I am a Registered Nurse I am Southern and speak fluent Southern!!! LOL thanks for this website and take care all!!!! Hugs, Donna:kiss2:

Hi My Name Is Regina...i Am From A Small Town In Ms.i Am 32 Y/o..i Have Been Lurking Around Here For Awhile And Decided To Post..nice To Meet Everyone.. I Have Been Married For Almost 15 Yrs. I Have 4 Kids And 1 Dog. I Am A Headstart Bus Driver/teachers Assistant I Was Banded On 6/19/06 In Mexicalli By Dr. Aceves..i Loved My Experience There And Am In Love With My Band!

I'm puzzled about why some folks seem to go home the same day they're banded and others get kept overnight in the hospital. I've even been told that intensive care afterward is a possibility. I have sleep apnea, and they're very cautious. (Of course, I likely had sleep apnea with my other surgeries and did fine...) So what factors argue toward overnight in hospital? Is there anything I can do to get home same day?

My lap band surgery is scheduled for August 14th. I am excited, yet a bit nervous. I would love to hear how the day of surgery went, and how you felt the couple of days after it. It was great to read about the things I would need post surgery. Thanks for all the great tips. Looking forward to working my way down the line as well.

Hello to all! I am new to this site after lurking around for about 2 months. I am really impressed by all the support each one of you gives to one another. Talk about a safe haven from the cruel cruel world! I applaud each one of you for taking the steps toward a healthier lifestyle. I wanted to find all of the Aug 4 pre-bandsters out there. As they know, we started our 7 days of liquids today and we need to unite quickly. Let me hear from you. Today begins the journey of a lifetime! :clap2:

I was banded on April 18, 2006 by Dr.Ortiz/Dr. Martinez in TJ, Mexico. I had the surgery along with my two daughters. We formed a family support group.:clap2: The girls seem to losing faster than I, but that's ok because I had less to lose. As long as I see my waist bands getting looser is all that matters to me....slow but sure! lol Good luck and God speed to all those on the same journey! Dreamer

So, at this time next month my partner and I will be on our way to Mexico to get banded. Wish us luck! I am new around here, always looking for information, friends and support.

Just met with Dr Ayloo at uic today. She was great, the support staff ie reception and aides ect were horrible. I just keep telling myself," I want a great pair of hands". On for Aug 17th, Start my 2 week fast (Can i do that?!) I know this is going to be hard, but it is going to be so worth it when I can 1. Wear jeans 2. go up stairs without being breathless 3. Keep up with my kids 4. Feel sexy again 5. so many more.... Any help on getting through the fasting stage?

Hello, I'm sitting here wondering if everyone else goes through this feeling this soon-it started last night (I'm still on liquids) I thought my pepcid was stuck-lots of pressure and felt like something was in there. Followed with lots of gas-took 4 chewable maalox (with anti-gas) some relief but felt that way until bed. I was able to drink but it hurt. I woke up this am and felt better but the feeling came back as soon as I drank something. I sipped slowly but the feeling has creeped back. I have yet to throw up so I guess thats good. Is this normal?:guess How do you handle it?:phanvan How soon will I quit lusting after everyone else's food (I have 4 kids):hungry:…

Hello everyone. I am Chrissie, from Muskogee, OK and today is one of the happiest days I have had in a very long time. Today I got an appointment with a surgeon for my gastric banding :biggrin1: I am so happy because I know once I have the surgery my life will truly begin again. I am 39 and weigh 360 lbs, my BMI is 51.3 :omg: Not numbers I am proud of, but certainly looking forward to starting my own little " ticker " on here and watching those numbers decline. I hope to make friends on here with people I can share experiences and support with. I cant wait to be able to walk and breath at the same time, to be able to sit in a booth at a restaurant again, to…

I want to send a cautionary message to anyone considering the Lap Band surgery with Dr. Bryce at LoneStar LapBand in DFW, TX. I was scheduled to have my life changing surgery on March 27, 2006. Four days before my surgery, I am told that the surgery would cost $6000.00 more than I was told it would, and i don't HAVE an extra $6000.00 under my mattress !!! It dates back to January when Dr. Bryce told me he would combine another surgery I needed so my insurance would pay all hospital fees and I would only be responsible for his $7500.00 fee. He now denies telling me that of course, but where else would I get that dollar amount from if he didn't tell me himself? I neve…

Hi Everybody. I was just banded yesterday in Monterrey Mexico by Dr. Rumbaut. Things aren't EXACTLY like the US, though some are. For example, I think I'm a bit of a high maintenance princess in both countries. The nurses here seemed a bit lazy - but overall it was much like I expected. Except for the pain. I did a lot of reading beforehand and have to say, I might not have been brave enough to go through it had I known how incredibly uncomfortable the first 24 hours would be. It's better now and I'm extremely grateful to have been able to do this but OUCH! Dr. Rumbaut was able to do the main incision through my navel and even spared my piercing area. He said my …

I just came across this forum -- it looks like an excellent place to meet other bandsters and share information. I'm 42 years old and after a lifetime of fighting with my weight (yes, I was the poster child for almost every diet that went around) I finally decided that weight loss surgery was the route for me to take. After investigating, I picked the lapband as the best option for me. I went to my first consultation weighing in at my all time high of 352. A month before surgery I started to cut back some and two weeks before went into a pre-op diet to shrink my liver size. I was banded on July 14, and am currently enjoying the full Fluid phase. Let me tell you, afte…

Hi hate to ramble but today I found out that I cannot get my band in July like I thought. It would have been perfect for my job and my husband would have been around too. Now they tell me my ABT is a little high and that means another trip to a pulmanary doctor with the chest -rays etc. and wait another 3 weeks for that appointment. Before they were saying the 3rd week in June and then boom July is booked. It makes me feel sad. I won't gve up but I hope this is not the start of heart aches. Does anyone know what the ABT things are? Thank You and good luck to all who are ready to get your bands, I'll pray for you. Patti:think

Wow I had my first Dr's appointment a month ago...and I will have the procedure in 2 weeks. I am kind of scared; however, I have a lot of faith in my Doctor.

:help: I just got banded on 7/17 and I want to know if any of you have experienced twitches or jumping sensation around the area of the port???? It feels kinda like if there were lots of gas moving in there, and for those that have been pregnant it feels like when a baby is kicking. It's not a very pleasant sensation right now, since I'm still sore and its been happening to me all day long yesterday and today. Also, why am I so cold???? I wear pajamas, long sleeves, socks and go under the covers and I cant seem to warm up. Please let me know what it is and what to do. THanks!!!!!

Hello Just banded on July 13th and could'nt be happier. I am currently 10 days out and 18 pounds lighter. I do wonder though why the scale has not moved for the last three days:cry Maybe the instant gratification thing is still swimming in my head. I was banded in Mexico and being a medical professional myself found that the clinic and the staff were very professional and customer service was #1. I had no problems with the procedure and was acutally up and walking about 30mins post procedure with very little pain. All the anxiety that was present when I booked the surgery has since been reilieved. Dr Ortiz placed a 10cc band and I am looking forward to 1. Ac…

This is all very new to me. I was banded in Mexico almost 4 weeks ago. My experience was great and I am losing weight. 20lbs or so. This procedure is very new in Idaho and most people don't know anything about it. I am somewhat of a guinea pig in my area. People are skepical, but curious. This is something I have looked into for a year and a half. Haven't had even a second of regret. I'm happy and anxious to lose and get to my goal.

Hi everyone I have been looking at this site for about a week. I wanted to get some real opinons bad and good about the band. I have learned so much here I realy feel that I will soon be able to make a decision.I am so pleased to see how everyone encourages each other. I am going to a information session 1st of Aug. to learn more esp the facility.I have already called my ins. company they do cover the lapband if I am at 40 bmi. I am only 37 bmi I would have to gain 20 more lbs not wanting to do that. I have heard of being approved of if you have some other ailment. I have maligment high blood pressure very hard to control I take alot meds to keep it down. Well my s…

Hello fellow bansters! I had my surgery in May, and i'm down 21 pounds.. I had my first fill of 2cc, and it was too tight, and i had 1/2 cc removed. Doing well now, and losing slowly. This sight is great, and looking forward to talking with people going through the same thing...I had my surgery in Charleston WV, although i live in Ohio.

I called and made my appointment for a consultation. I am very excited. I am so sick of being fat. Can u tell me what to expect. I am nervous. How long were you out of it for. whats the pain like. do the fills hurt. any advice would be greatly appreciated. write back or IM me at kswirl30 Thanks Lena

My surgery is scheduled for Aug 11. It all seems so surreal! I have wanted to do this for 2 years and it is finally happening. It is so weird!!! :faint: I can almost imagine getting smaller but not quite, I have failed so many times. But I know this is going to work for me because I will not quit this time! Anyway, I am very excited and can't wait for my banded lifestyle. Teresa

Hello everyone! I have been reading in here for the past week and decided to step out of the shadows and say hello. I am going to a Seminar in Jacksonville being given by Dr. Webb next Tuesday. I must say a part of me feels guilty almost like a failure for giving up on diet and exercise and contemplating something so drastic. I am 99% sure that I am going to have to pay for everything and I feel bad using 15-18 thousand dollars to right my own wrong, There are so many things we could use that money for for all of us instead of just me. I think that I am on the right path, because friends tell me I should definately do this. I am terrified that my ravenous appetite wil…

Just Wanted To Say Hello! I Have Been Lurking Around For Some Time, Thought It Was Time For Me To Post! I Have My First Doctor's Appt. Tomorrow...i Am Soooooo Excited. This Website Has Been So Wonderful For My Research, Thank You All For Your Info. Wish Me Luck Tomorrow!!! Rebecca