Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I am new to this board. I have been contimplating the LapBand for about a year after a friend had RNY. I am a single mother of 3 yr old twins, so RNY was not given a thought. I hope to find success for the first time with the Band.

Hi y'all, I'm in Texas. I'm still thinking about getting banded. I'll be lurking on this site until I make up my mind. I'm going to attend an info. seminar soon in Richardson. The name of the place is the Surgery Center of Richardson. Has anyone gotten their band there and what was their experience like? If I decide to do this, I'm sure I'll be on this board frequently.

Hi, there! My name is Dian and I was banded on July 5th, 2006. My surgeon is Dr Curtis Mosier. My surgery was done at Presbyterian Hospital of Denton in Denton, Texas. This is also where I work as the QA Analyst for the Admissions department. I started out around 200 lbs., was down to 189 by day of surgery after 10 liquid diet and hope to get to the 130-140 range. I am 5 feet tall and have a small, delicate frame. This weight goal allows me to go back to what I weighed in high school and I feel is pretty realistic, but not too drastic. I've been "pleasantly plump" since puberty. The main reason I had this procedure done is to prevent the health problems that would be…

Hi, My name is Liz and live in Tacoma WA. I haven't had the surgery for the lapband but I'm going to be. I have to go to a "weightloss seminar" tomorrow from 6-8 pm before I can even set up an appointment with the doctor. Which to me seems weird. But whatever it takes I'm willing to do. I'm tired of being "fat" I've tried weight watchers and it did work but then of course as soon as I stopped I gained the weight back plus 30 more pounds. Plus I've tried other diets, and diet pills, phentermine (Fen-Phen) I lost 40lbs with them but gained it all back once I stopped taking it. Right now I weigh the most I've ever weighed in my life. It was so depressing and shocking at …

Hi everybody, my name is Tina and this is all new to me. I live in Tn. and I have started the packet to my way to possible Lap-Band surgery. I would really enjoy any input anyone has on this, cause I want to make sure this is the right surgery for me, and that I am choosing the right surgery!!!!! So please anyone please respond if you have time. Thank you soooooo much.

I'm Missy from North central Tx. Banded on May 22, so I'm a newbie all round. I had my first fill 2 weeks ago, and I'm confused because I expected to feel "fuller", while eating less. The amt I'm able to eat has not changed much at all. I am trying to eat less, but the whole point of all this pain, time and $$$ was to have a smaller eating pouch I thought. .....still on a learning curve I guess.

After lurking around this place I thought it was proper to start an acount thus here I am. I am 10 days post opt and feeling okay for the most part. Emotionally drained and still a bit of pain at the top of my stomach but other than that doing well. I had my surgery in Sydney Australia..which is where I live..by a lovely French Doctor whose main practice is in QLD. Since my two week preopt diet I have lost about 16 kgs (35lbs) to date. :faint: I will let you knwo of my progress as I go along. Cheers Jess

I've been sneeking in here about a week or so, peeking at info. and tips, and you all seem like wonderful people. I've all so picked up the name of a good Dr. here and have set up an apointment for thee initial seminar, in August, I've allready set my mind to this, one way or the other I'm going ALL the way. I have the support of my family, and my Dr., my insurance should not be to much of a problem. I just wanted to stop and say hi,,,,and I'll be around hopefully getting to know every one, and thanks for all the info I've allready gotten.

Hi, I'm two months post surgery. I have lost 36 lbs. I am glad I found this support group. Does anyone know what could cause a burning sensation around the port area? Also, I have had no fills yet. KathyDiane:clap2:

I just happen to stumble on this site while i was looking at the obesityhelp.com sight, and I am glad I did. It is so nice to find a sight that everyone has the lapband surgery. I have a question tho, I have just had a PE (bloodclot in the Lung) on May 26, 2006, and wanted to know if there was anyone else that has had this complication and the surgery or not? I go to my Dr. seminar tommorow night and am looking forward to learning more about this problem. I have had a Cardiologist, a Pulminologist and my regular doctor tell me that this surgery is something I should be looking into. The Cardiologist and the Pulminologist both came in to see me while I was in the hospit…

Hi all.. My name is Elissa, I'm in Pittsburgh, PA and I got my band put in about a month ago, and just had my first fill on Friday. I had a lot of pain at first, and was on serious painkillers for about 2 weeks. I still have the urge to overeat, although I did get sick for the first time yesterday, and I'm hoping the hell I've been through since then will dissuade me from overeating/eating the wrong things/eating too fast again. I'm still not sure I made the right decision. Everywhere I turn, I have people tell me that they know someone who got the surgery and didn't lose the weight... that would be the worst thing in the world. This was a huge decision and a huge sacr…

So apart from having a mini-meltdown yesterday over the fact that I may have potentially ruined my band (see here), I think I'm good and I'd just like to introduce myself. I'm 26, hail from Melbourne, Australia, and was banded on 30/6 at the Avenue. So far I'm still in recovery, eating liquids/soft foods (when I can - and should) and I'm going about my daily business with nothing but a little bit of pain around my left side. I love the fact that I'm not constantly hungry anymore, and I've lost about 6kg (15 pounds?) altogether, both pre-op and post-op. So that's my story, and I'm sticking to it. Right now I'm looking forward to the day when I can eat normal solid foo…

Hi, I am new to this forum. I will be having lapband surgery on July 18th. I am now on day 5 of a liquid diet.

Hello My name is Rebecca from California. I have been researching the lap band vs. RNY. I have decided to go with the lap band surgery. I am currenty in the process & hoping to have this surgery within the next couple of months. My insurance covers the RNY 100% with just a $10.00 copay,but doesnt cover the lap band. I have medical secondary with a $1015.00 share of cost.So I am going to pay out of my pocket,instead of using my insurance.RNY scares me,I feel so much peace going with the lap band. Im so glad I found this website so I can share & talk to other lapbanders about their experiences:cell:

Hello everyone. My sister has encouraged me to visit this website. I'm in counseling at present to discuss the lapband and hopefully will have the procedure done in September. My sister insists that this is the website for the best support and information ever. Glad to be here, thanks for having me. Dorty

This may sound strange, but I am curious to know if you can feel the band? Can you feel the port under your skin? I am planning to have lap banding in the fall. I am not afraid of the discomfort - just want to know how noticeable it is to you. Does the port stick out from under the skin? Rachel :scared:

hi, had my first fill yesterday. under flouro. the dr couldn't find the port on Wed. the 5th . it was turned sideways. i am not having too many problems except really obsessing on food. i find this annoying. please, does this feeling go away finally. the head hunger is really bad at this point. any suggestions will help. thanks.

Hi, Has anyone out there gone the self-pay route? I may have to and I was wondering how deeply in debt I might become. If someone wouldn't mind ballparking I would really appreciate the info.

I would like to talk to someone about how much weight you normally lose. I have been banded for 2 weeks and 4 days and have ost 15.8 pounds. I lost most of that in the first 10 days. Since then it has been about a pound every 2-3 days. Is this normal or am I eating too much? Can someone answer my question?:phanvan

Hi, went to the seminar at Northwest Weight Loss surgery tonight and if I had any doubts they are gone, but have to admit I am nervous about making the big decision to have this done. Just waiting for final word on home refi and then away I go. I'm Dennis, from Port Orchard. Just want to say hello. The people at NWWL were so nice, and the banded folks who got up really were nice to share there stories. So, hello and hope it will be soon :nervous

Wanted to say hello and introduce myself. I was banded 6/8/06 in Chattanooga, TN by Dr. Jaime Ponce (my hero).:cheer2: I started the process a year and a half ago. It has been a very long journey getting my band. You know the old saying...what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I've learned patience. I've learned to take a more active roll in my health care and not hestitate to seek out a second opinion from another physician. I've learned that what is so one day may not be so the next day. I've learned if you want something bad enough and are determined to get it you will eventually find a way. During my journey to being banded I have read this board regula…

Hello, I am a big dude weighing in at 369lbs I am 6 ft tall and am about to go through my surgery in August. I find my exact Date this week after the holiday. I have done a TON OF RESEARCH and I am glad I am choosing this method. I also have a profile on www.lapband.com I was doing some searches online and I came across this site and I am glad it is here. So once I get the date I will put up my pre-surgery pics. I would like to get to know people who are in all stages of the lap band surgery. Feel free to email me. Support is always good. Thanks You Can Call me Carl or Big Daddy.

Hi everyone my name is Monica! I am so excited and nervous about my surgery. My surgeon is Dr. Naik in Bakersfield, Ca He is really nice and I feel really comfortable with him! I only know a few people who have had this procedure done and would love to have someone else to talk to.

Hi everybody! i am so happy that i found this site I am considering the lap band and all the post here are very informative. I have an app. to see my doctor in a week for a physical so i will bring it up then. i was just curious to see how everybody discussed it with their doctor, i am nervous about brining it up. Also once you told your primary how long did it take for you to find a specialist and get the surgery. Thanks everybody you are all so inspirational.

:paranoid My name is Vicki. I just got my band on 06-01-06. The first few days I was so sore that I thought I was not going to make it. then it got better. The main problem I am having is the gas in my left shoulder. I literally wake up every hour with this at night. I went back to work this week, and I am so tired I am having trouble keeping up. My doc says to walk, walk, walk. This has not helped. I am on my feet all day, and I am still having trouble sleeping. I have taken not one, but two boxes of Gas-Ex to no avail. Can anyone help? I am scheduled for my first fill on June 26 (a little over a week from now). This leads me to my next question...I am concerned because …

i am going for my 5th fill and will be up to 9.5cc. i was told the swedish band only holds 9.. may be a little more..but how much? this had better be worth the money. does anyone know how much one can get to get that restriction. getting alittle discourage. suzie

Hi! I have been lurking on this site for a couple of months now. I have just gotten approved, but am waiting to see if the doctors office will accept/do a payment plan, if so my surgery date should be July 26. I have about 220 lbs (my goal) to lose. I will be banded in Louisville, KY. I look forward to "meeting" you all and supporting each other. Thanks! Brenda

Hello everyone I'm new to chat and this website so if i do it wrong laugh like hell you will get used to me:faint: I visited yesterday and read alot of funny things. you guy's cracked me up... However, I have finall y figured out how to get on an ask a question. I plan on having my surgery done by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez in monterrey mexico, has anyone heard good or bad about this Dr? If you write me and I don't write back I couldn't figure this out. Thanks in advance.

Hello Everyone! My name is Erica, Houston, Texas. I found this forum TODAY! I have not started my process for lap band, but i have been reading up on it ..studying it online..and i was hoping to meet some supporting friends that are a little more educated and have experienced it. I plan on starting a website for my weight loss journey. I have tried EVERYTHING...Diet specialist, Personal Trainer, My own training, Metabolife, all kinds of diet pills...I have even been as desperate as doing the Hollywood diet..do yall know what im talking about...the horrible juice you drink for 48 hours and your suppose to lose all this weight...My problem is...I have no self control...i…

:clap2: Im a newbie !!! hehehehe i am basically just checking out the site as im finding out all the ins and outs of lapband surgery ( in support for my sister who is due to have her surgery soon ) . Just wanted to check everything out for myself as i was a little worried but am sooooooo excited for her at the same time :Banane55: . So i guess im kinda her support persons ??? any advice for me ? What i can do to make it better ? Plus i just wanted to say hi to ya'll :)

Hey yall!!!! Just wanted to introduce myself!!! Im a newbie here...Im a 27 year old female from Texas!!! Im currently 5'11 and weigh 330. uggh, i know. its terrible. I started the process for the LAP band back on June 6th. I went to a seminar that my surgeon had put on. Ive been researching the RNY for sometime now, but the lap band sounds much safer, and being that we want to have more babies and all... SOOOOOO. Ive seen my PCP for the letter of medical necessity. Ive seen the Psychologist and guess what, im not crazy!!! Ive had my pulmonary function test--no problems there. I had my blood work done yesterday. Only problem is, I dont have the 6 months supervised …

Hello group- I understand this forum is devoted to Lap Band Discussions, however, since many of you are extremely well informed regarding other weight loss methods, I thought someone here may have either had one inserted or know someone who has. For those of you who don't know about the bag, it is very much like the BIB Balloon. The bag is filled with air, while the balloon is generally filled with saline. Any information will be appreciated. Chrlyangelpi

Hi - I'm Trish - I'm just in the beginning stages of this journey. I attended a seminar last week and have my first appointment next week. I have United Healthcare and am very nervous about getting approved. Any suggestions would be greatly appreicated. My BMI is 37-39.. depending on the scale! LOL I need to lose no less than 80 pounds and am hoping to get off of most of the meds I have to take. Wake up now.. I'm through!

My name is Steph. I am married with 2 young children. Since the birth of my son 6 years ago I have put on a huge amount of weight (6 stone). I have been overweight for most of my life and have been on countless diets all to no avail. I am now at the stage where I feel my only option is to have surgery. I am seriously considering having a lapband fitted. I live in the uk, but due to high prices at home, I am considering travelling to belgium for the procedure. Can anyone advise on a surgeon? I would be grateful for any advice/support.

I'm actually the mother of a 20 year old female college sophomore who recently had lapbanding (june 22). We are also new here in Texas, having moved from Indiana. She currently knows NO ONE her age here, much less anyone with recent surgery. Anyone out there who can correspond with my daughter? I think she is really sick of me and would like to talk with someone her own age who is going through the same feelings/experiences. We live in Dallas. Thanks!

Hey all, I am going to the seminar in two weeks in St. Louis. I have pretty well made my decision and short of some very drastic news or information I am planning on going ahead with the procedure. I know they will be giving me a lot of info at the seminar but I would much rather hear from real people than depend on the accuracy of the literature (and I’m just that impatient). What is the procedure from seminar to surgery? How long does this take? I am a self-pay so I don’t have to get insurance approval. I read in here somewhere about “Myocel” are you put on a liquid diet prior to surgery? How much weight do they want you to loose pre-op? I would like drive from the …

Well, only 1 days left Saturday i went to a family gathering and a friend of the family was there. She'd had the lap band back in May 2003. She almost died. She was following the post-op directions to the 'T' and lost 60lbs. Then all of a sudden she couldn't keep anything down. She got so ill~~~so many hospitals~~~ just awful. Fortunatly, God wasn't ready for her to come home yet. After removing the band and much rehab ~ she is alright now. I completly believe that the lapband is not for everyone. Don't quite know how to "know" who it is right for~~guess i'll find out. I belive in my heart that this is Gods will for me.

My name is Amber, and I haven't been banded yet. I have my first initial appointment at Sacramento Bariatric (http://www.sacbariatric.com) in the end of July so I'm doing more research and compiling questions for the doc. Glad to find this group, I'm pretty nervous but also excited. I hope that I pass all their tests for surgery... I've been dieting all my life, practically, still attempting to diet, and it's been somewhat successful, so we'll see....Thanks!

Hello everyone!!! I am a newbie to the board. I was banded on June 19th, 2006. Things are going great so far. I am so happy to be off of the liquid diet (which I was on for approximately 1 month). I am currently on a soft diet since this past Friday. Any helpful words advice from anyone would be deeply appreciated. I look forward to getting to know more of you

Hello, My name is Diane and tomorrow my husband Scott and I have our first appointment at the Wish Center in Illinois. We are not exactly sure what to expect, but I am sure in a hurry to get going now that we finally have the means to get out lives back. I am 5'2, 289 and my husband is 5'11, 330. We both have so many health problems that are weight related. It will feel so wonderful to not have this ruling our lives any longer. I do notice, that banders have more difficulty losing that the gastric bypass folks. I would imagine my 130 pound goal is unrealistic, but even 100 pounds gone would be a dream come true. Bikini days are over for me at almost 40, I just wa…

I am very happy to join the group. I am doing very well and am pleased to have chosen the Wish team to help me with my journey! I am having (so far) a great post operative period, and I think I owe this to the pre-surgical preparation and teaching. Good Luck to Everyone!

Hi...Im new to the board..Has anyone had a lap band surgery from Bajanor Obesity center...Thinking about having it done there...Any info would be nice...thanks

Hi Ladies. Today is my first post. I was banded Wednesday (6/7) by Dr. Spivak in Houston. I must say that Dr. Spivak is wonderful and his staff is very nice. Everything went will the day of surgery but that evening I begain to feel nauseated and had a BAD headache. No matter how little I drink or what I drank I just became more nauseated. The next morning I felt really bad, nauseated, dizzy, weak, and a BAD headache. I spoke with Dr. Spivak's office several times and they had me try a bunch of different things, but nothing worked. Finally I felt so bad I went to the hospital. The problem was that I was dehydrated. I couldn't get enough fluid down because of…

Hi All I am a new member going through the insurance approval process. Apparently, GEHA requires a 6 month doctor approved diet with monthly visits. I have a very high BMI and have succesfully controlled my type II diabetes by greatly reducing the amount I eat and eliminating as much as possible refined carbs. Hopefully, the insurance co will take this into accountand wave the 6 month diet requirment. If not it will be at least 6 months before I get approval for the procedure. I certainly don't want to wait. :phanvan Any words of wisdom about the insurance isue would be appreciated. papaya

:help: Hello, My Name is Sherry and I am looking into the Lap Band process. I went to a informational meeting which was good. I found this website and I think it is just filled with so much needed information. Anyway, I was thinking about trying some protein drinks which from reading the posts are a mainstay with this surgery. Could anyone suggest what brands would be good -- also I am lactose intolerant

I am at step one of possibly getting a lap band. I saw my doctor today and he is referring me to a lap band specialist in Indianapolis. A little about myself, I am 5'8 and 290lbs. I used to be skinny but have gained about 10lbs. per year for the last 14 years...you do the math. I have tried dieting, exercise, weight loss progams and nothing seems to work for me. I must admit that I'm a little nervous that I'll be turned down by my insurance company for the procedure mainly because I don't have any "life threatening issues" so to speak. The major health problem I have due to my weight is acid reflux. Other than that it's the million other daily problems I face due t…

Hey guys! I just wanted to introduce myself! I just joined this board tonight. I have been a member of obesityhelp.com for several weeks now and decided to expand my learning! My name is Amy and I live in Alabama. I'm only 20 years old but I have decided this surgery is right for me. I will be attending a seminar tomorrow evening in Birmingham to get the process started. I will be selfpay due to the fact that my BMI is only 36, and BCBS of Alabama doesn't cover this surgery for ANYONE. I've struggled and struggled in my short life so far with weight loss. I find it impossible to keep weight off!!! I have a lot of depression from my weight and my psychologist was the first…

Hi I am so excited to find this forum! I was 'banded' in April 2006. I have certainly taken my time about loosing the weight. I have however - managed to loose 60 lbs during the first 16 months. YES!!!! ... Then major set backs. Just days before hurricane Katrina -I went in for an adjustment. I realized that it was a little to tight but, I thought that it would loosen up after a few days. Keep in mind that we were told that Katrina was heading to Florida . Within a few days after my fill, things went from bad to worse for me. I will post this story later. Eventually, I had to have all the Fluid removed - because of bleeding ulcers... (the band did not cause the ulcers…

Hi I am so excited to find this forum! I was 'banded' in April 2006. I have certainly taken my time about loosing the weight. I have however - managed to loose 60 lbs during the first 16 months. YES!!!! ... Then major set backs. Just days before hurricane Katrina -I went in for an adjustment. I realized that it was a little to tight but, I thought that it would loosen up after a few days. Keep in mind that we were told that Katrina was heading to Florida . Within a few days after my fill, things went from bad to worse for me. I will post this story later. Eventually, I had to have all the Fluid removed - because of bleeding ulcers... (the band did not cause the ulcers…

Im new here, and wanted to say hello and introduce myself. My name is Paula, I am 35 years old, I have been researching my options for weight loss surgery. So far, Ive narrowed it down to the lap band surgery, and hopefully with my primary care providers recommendation (he already gave me the weight loss surgery option talk) to my insurance co, I will be able to have it. I know the process takes time and is not easy, but I hope it goes by quickly and within the next year or so I will have had the surgery and I will be a whole different person. This site seems like a very supportive one and I hope to lend my support to others also. Thank you. Paula