Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello to all i am new here i have been thinking about lap banding surgery for about 6 months . Last month i went to a seminar in Travers City Michigan. Today i called and got a appointment for a consultation I got it for July.I wanted to join this forum i know i have a long way to go ,so i will be on here a lot asking questions.Thank you Gloria:)

I am new on this forum and just want to say hi and wish all on the journey of weight control all the best. I am just beginning to research lap band surgery, had my first appointment with my PC yesterday to discuss the subject. I have much to learn and I imagine...many battles to fight before I finally have surgery. I am looking forward to talking with you all throughout my journey.

I just learned that I'm tentatively scheduled for banding on July 24. Now, of course, it suddenly seems very real. For those who've already been through it, what do you wish you'd known earlier? Do you exercise as much as you're supposed to? Can you ever eat some semblance of a normal meal? Are you glad you did it?

:wave: Hey there Banders.........ok so short and sweet this is my story...I have been fighting insurance for RNY surgery since March '05....they finally approve me, but only for Lap Band not RNY...so as you can imagine I have had to totally switch gears and try to learn all that I can about the band.........so any info will be greatly appreciated :help: Such as: What is a "sweet spot" Pre-op Diet? Post-op Life? Frequency of fills and how you know when you need one? Is it only for over-eaters or does it work for us "not-eat-enoughers" lol? Just a few terms Im trying to get a full grasp on before I undergo this surgery. This site seems kinda like OH....now I hav…

I joined back in 2003 when I first had surgery, but recently needed to be rebanded due to complications. So, I thought a new name was in order.

keep those reasons coming. I've lost 8lbs. this last week on the pre-op diet but every time I have to down a protien drink my whole being shrieks "Is it worth it???" but when I remind myself of all the reasons motivating the effort in the first place I can answer myself with a resounding "YES!!!!!" it is sooooooooooo worth it! :clap2: Rett

Hi I am a 58 year old female and am scheduled to be banded on June 20th. I have been spending many hours on obesityhelp.com trying to learn all I can about this surgery and this major change to my life. But one thing I notice when I scroll through the "before and after" pictures is that I have yet to find one who was lap banded. I would love to see before and after pictures and read stories about bandsters. Can anyone point me to the right place for that?

HI, I was refered to www.bajanor.com I have looked at the web site several times, I just was wondering if anyone else had been to this one in Mexico..?? the prices seem less than others in Mexico.. I also was wondering which Lap Band to get they have (4).. the most expensive is the Lap Band Inamed.??? the others are Midband & Obtech.. One of the doctors name is Mariano Alberto Covarrbias Hidalgo... :help:

Hey yall, my name is krystal! I just found this place about 10 min. ago and it is just what I am looking for! I have struggled with my weight all of my life and have been obese for about 10 years. I am only 28 years old. I am ready for a change. I had considered gastric bypass and was approved about 4 years ago. I did not have the surgery because one week before my date the surgeon was put under investigation. I took this as a sign and went on my merry way (weigh). Four years and some pounds later (in the wrong direction), I decided to give banding a try. :clap2: The only thing is I am now on a different insurance, and I don't think that they will approve this. I am deter…

Hello! Although I have been reading all your very informative posts for months, this is my very 1st post! I was banded on May 26 in Los Angeles. Mine was an outpatient surgery so I was in at 11:00 and out by 3pm. I had the best experience ever! I am very fortunate because I experienced only mild discomfort for about a day after the surgery. All has been downhill (weightwise) since then. I am down 18 lbs. as of this morning and I feel fantastic! I am, however, also looking for a support group in LA and that is what prompted me to post. If anyone is interested in gettting together, count me in! Anyhow, thanks to all for wonderful posts. Always remember there are peo…

Just joined. banded 5/17/06 East Central Illinois. Banded by Dr. Duane Tull. I am frustrated which is most likely normal. Eating more than I thought I would be. :help: M.E.

Hi I am new to this. I have no idea if I'm even doing this correctly. I just posted something but I think I was in the wrong place. Not very computer savvy. Anyway, I have not been banded yet. I'm waiting for Insurance approval from Health Net. My surgery is scheduled for July 25th. I'm very nervous. The surgeon who will be peforming the surgery is Dr. Roslin, NY. Came highly recommended. I really need to hear all the positives and negatives. I'm worried about complications. Help!

Hi, I was banded on May 30th by Dr Jones at BIDMC in Boston. All has gone very well with the exception of some SERIOUS gas pain in my left shoulder for about a week after surgery. I lost 12 LBS my first week so, I am VERY EXCITED!!!! I, unfortunately, have found myself getting hungry ALOT quicker the last few days tough and it's scaring me! Is this normal?? I won't get a fill for 6 1/2 more weeks!! Anyway, thanks so much for the support I've alreay gotten here just reading other's experiences!

I've been on this pre-op diet now for 2 whole days and it doesn't really go over with my stomach. The stuff doesn't taste bad, thats not a problem and I'm really not that hungrey either, it just doesn't agree with my tummy. Can this really be "good for me??" Does it get better? so far I just crash at about 5-5:30 and then cant get to sleep when I go to bed. I'd really like to hear from someone who has done this high protien/low carb diet. I was NEVER a candidate for Atkins. Can it really be done for TWO WEEKS????? :tired Rett

Ok, this is my FIRST forum, so I hope I don't sound too stupid....I'm Kim from Cleveland, went to seminar Monday and decided on "the band". Waiting to hear from Bariatric Center for them to verify insurance coverage, wish me luck!:clap2:

Got my band Tues. 6-6-06, I've got more questions than I thought I'd have... like "where's my stomach?" and "am I hungrey or have I injested too much?" "whats this moving inside me that feels like a baby's foot?" I just know that can't be right! "Why the back ach?" "The pain med isn't very strong, can I take Excedrine or ibuprofin?" "Or, how about a little morphine?" Anybody know whats going on????? Rett

I have been banded since Dec. 9, 2005. I'm 26 years old (going to be in June so say happy birthday plz ). I am a new user and very happy to have found this forum site for the the lap band. Anyone interested in talking to me about my experiences or want to share experiences I will be delighted about it. So plz, share. Hola! Tengo el LapBand desde Dec. 9 del 2005. Tengo 26 años (bueno, lo voy a ser en Junio, diganme feliz cumpleaños jeje :clap2: ). Soy un nuevo usuario y estoy muy contento de haber encontrado este lugar de forums para el LapBand. Estaría muy contento con cualquier persona interesada en comunicarse conmigo acerca de mis experiencias o si quieres hablar ac…

Hi this is my first time here. I am from the West Indies, female 41 years.... Got banded in March 2006 lost 22 lbs got first April 22nd fill 2cc was restricted at first now nothing and the weight is not coming off ... as it did the first weeks feeling dejected going for another fill next week...Feeling hungry all the time no restriction now....Feeling pressured because people know about the surgery and thought the weight loss was faster.... Any hope ?:cry

I had my surgery on 12/29/05 and to date have lost 30 lbs. - I have had 2 fills but have felt no restriction - my doctor (Paul Macik) has determined that my port has a leak and therefore, next Friday, May 26 I am having it replaced - has this happened to anyone else - thanks,

Hi My name is Lisa and I just found this website. My surgery date is june 19:D. I am so glad I have found another site before my surgery . There is soooooo much to read here .I love it.

I'm pre-band. I am in the middle of 6 months of doctor supervised dieting before insurance will pay for the band. I'll be done with that in September. I'm hoping to be banded by Thanksgiving. I'm looking to educate myself while I wait. I'm a single mom with a soon to be 5 year old girl. I work full-time and in school full-time. Thanks for the warm welcome! Juli

<img> I have been waiting a long time for this. I really could use some support, encouragement, and advice of what I might expect after the surgery. I have purchased a bunch of protein supplements. My sister is also having the surgery on the 19th. Love to talk to all of you. Candy

Hello, I am 33 years old. 5'6 :faint: I currently weigh 229 lbs.. I never had a weight problem before, I had to lapo's for female stuff and then a child. Normal weight for me is around 140.. I have been looking into lap band.. I will be a self pay so I have been really considering Mexico-- I just dont have any support from family yet, they are so scared for me.. any tips or advise??

Hello All, I was orginally told by the gal who submitts my records to the insurance company from the surgeon's office, that it takes from 3-10 days to get an answer from insurance. She had turned in my records last week as I was to have been banded today( Thursday, june 8th) . When I called on Tuesday to see oif she had talked to Aetna, she said she had and they had not looked at my records yet so we would have to postpone my surgery until we hear from them. I asked her how long does that takes and she said "they never will tell us" maybe a couple of weeks. Not sure where I go from here. Any ideas??? Just wondering if anyone else had met with this same situation? I…

Hello All! So glad to have found this wonderful, informative group. I've learned so much already. I was banded 4/20/06 at St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore by Dr. Averbach. Recovery was a bit harder than expected (gas) but doing great now. Total wt.loss to date is 28 lbs. No fills yet and none scheduled. No PB, though I've come close 2x. Congrats to all on the impressive wt. loss totals I've been reading here. It gives me great hope and inspiration!:clap2:

I just found this site and joined today, and thought I'd follow the advice and introduce myself. I'm 42, married with no kids. My husband got banded almost 2 years ago, and has lost about 95 pounds, so I've decided to get banded as well. I've had my first consultations, I meet with the surgeon next week. Assuming everything is OK, I'll have surgery most likely the first week of Sept. I want it sooner, but that's what works for my work schedule. I'm 5'4", and 302 pounds. I'm working with the NWLS center in Everett WA, Dr. Montegomery.

I got approved and my surgery date is set for june 29.

Hello. I'm a first time 'poster' and really don't know what to say. I haven't had the surgery and am really just started to check into it to see what it is all about.

I am 7 weeks post op and have lost 30 lbs i have had one fill 4 of 11 cc and right after that i lost my last 4 lbs but since (2 weeks) i am at a stand still i have had quite a few health issues come up post op that has stalled my exercising so i guess once i get that out of the way i will be on my way. just a little bummed right now:phanvan

:help: I was banded march 7th and have had 2 fills for a total fill of 1.5. Everything I read says eat about 1/2 cup of food per meal...that this should fill you up....I know I can eat more than that.....I eat about 3-4 oz of Protein and about a 1/2 cup of veggies.....sometimes a little more......is something wrong........i know i don't have good restriction yet, but even so, should i only be able to eat 1/2 cup! Please advise. 242/232/193/134 goal

Hi everyone, I'm Sherri from Kentucky. I've been posting here for the last month but don't really know anyone yet. I had debated for the last month to either wait on the insurance company and still pay about half of the cost and wait 6 months on dieting and then if I lost as much as 4 pounds would be under the 40 BMI they require or go on and self pay with Dr. Sanchez in Monterrey Mexico. Then I got to thinking, both doctors here that I've talked to have done less than 200 lap bands and Dr. Sanchez has done more than 5000. That decided for me. Forget the money part, (although I could sure pay a lot of bills with 9,000.00) but it's my health so I'm going for it. …

Hi everyone!! I will be banded this Friday 6/9/06 in Dade City, Florida by Dr. Grossbard and Dr. DiCiccio(sp?). I am excited and nervous. I have been on Optifast since May 15 and have mangaged not to lose my mind but instead 16 pounds. It feels good not to eat but I know I could not do this much longer. I currently weigh 266 and my BMI is over 50. I am worried reading some of the postings that some people have been very hungry quite soon after surgery and I was promised by my doctor that I won't want to eat so the 4 more weeks of liquids I will have to endure won't be a big deal. This surgery is costing us a small fortune. I have to be successful. I know, I kno…

So here I am....... 39 year old female with 80 pounds to lose. I am scheduled for banding on June 15 and very nervous about it. I've paid so there is no turning back now! I have been reading non stop for over three weeks on this surgery, all the posting and the long and short of it all is the success of the before and after pictures that have settled my nerves. Wish me luck, Betty

:clap2: I just found out last week that my insurance (United Health Care) will pay for the Lap Band procedure. I was shocked!!!!! :faint: I tried 2 years ago and couldn't get approved (different insurance) and we just couldnt afford to pay out of pocket. Anyway, I finished all my precertification stuff today and by Monday everything should be off to the insurance to await the approval. My office coordinator told me that often UHC approves before I am done meeting with all the dr's, nutritionists, psych ect... so I am just thrilled and terrified all at the same time. It all seems so fast, I am not sure if that is good or bad or both. I have spent alot of time rese…

Hi! My name is Brenda. I am a new member. This is my first time posting however, I have been lurking for quiet a while. I have received my Band on April 6, 2006. I have had one adjustment since. I will be going back for another adjustment tomorrow. I really can't comment on the band just yet. I have not lost any weight since the surgery. Still waiting to find my nitch. I hope I will find it soon.

Hello my name is Jennifer,I was banded on March 22nd,my weight before surgery was 296,I am currently at 284,I just had my first fill today I wish I was losing faster than I am,getting a little discouraged.:second:

YeeeeHaaaaa!!! :clap2: I have been approved by my Insurance (Pacific Care & Memorial Care IPA) for a Lap-Band Procedure! I want to thank this site for helping me. I had originally been turned down for the Gastric-Bypass; what with my recent cancer history, they felt that the Bypass would be too invasive a procedure for me. I was disappointed. My weight actually delayed my Cancer treatment because we had to locate a RT table that would hold my for Radiation Therapy. :phanvan My Surgeon, and his office (Dr LaPorte and the Orange County Obesity out of Fountain Valley Hospital in Fountain Valley,CA), would not let me be disappointed for long; they recommended that I wor…

Hi everyone My name is Granlady I was banded on February 2, 2006 I have lost nothing. I had 2 adjustments one March 7.2006 and one May 9, 2006. I feel like nothing has changed. I never get full, I can eat anything and as much as I want. I need some Help and encouragement. I have been looking for a support group to see if I can make a difference and not feel like surgery was a waste of time.

Hi, I am Denise and I live in Arlington, TX. I am waiting for approval from Cigna. My surgeon will be Dr. Richard Carter. I will "lurk" for a while, but will let everyone know when I am approved. This really looks like a great site with some warm and caring people. I'm excited to be here. I've included info about me in my profile. Take care, Denise

Hi - just got home from Mexico - had my surgery on Thurs. Some of my incicions are puffy and itchy from the bandaids - when we removed the bandaids, a few of the steristips came off - what can I do about the itching - should I take a benedryl (still on clear liquids) use cream benedryl, leave them alone - one posting said to use a white cream (?) but not until they were completely closed and I am not sure that they are - It has only been 3 days - thanks for any help I can get

Hi, my name is Yasmin and I am schedule to be banded June 2nd, 2006. In Mexico.Yikes! I did do my research and am as comfortable as I am going to get with surgery in Mexico but due to the cost it really is my only option. So any pointers, stories, ideas would be greatly appreciated. I hope the best for all of us and pray that everything goes well. I have several questions about diet, excersize, expected weight loss, etc. Please send any tips or comments on these subjects. I have read everything out there on the internet but really would like to hear from those who have had the procedure and are living with it. Also, I live in Idaho and am having problems with finding …

:help: Hello, My user name should tell you how happy I am with myself. It was a nick name I collected in school (35+ yrs ago) and is much more true today. I have always been overweight. I would love to hear from folks who have had this procedure. I should say that I am not usually hungry when I eat, I just love to eat. Depressed, I eat. To celebrate, I eat. Whatever, I eat! Is there any hope for me? I am somewhere close to 80 lbs over weight. I would love to be thin just one time in my life and feel really good about myself. I have made 3 appts with a lap band surgeon and have cancelled all 3. Scared, uncertain and going crazy. Please let me hear from someb…

Hi, I'm Asha from Texas. Actually, my surgeon's insurance benefits coordinator referred me to this site. I am getting banded in just 4 days! I'm going through all of those things that so many of you already have...excitement...a little concern over that liquid stage:confused: Of course, like many of you, I have been working towards this and jumping through all of the hoops as required. :grouphug:

Hi There, My name is Sandy I have been considering Lap band surgery after I saw a news report about it a few weeks ago. I am not obese, but overweight by about 35 lbs. I lost 30lbs by dieting around three years ago, because I was originally about 65 lbs overweight. I know this does not seem like much weight to lose, but every day has been a struggle to maintain or lose more weight. I am completely consumed with diets and losing more weight but as hard as I try, my body won't budge! I just want to end the cycle of yo-yo dieting. However, my question is, is lap-band surgery worth it?? It's very costly (which I will have to finance because it wouldnt be covered) and it see…

Help...I know I made the right decision about having surgery.....I am having fear....I am scheduled for June 14 at Beth Israel Deaconness Medical Center. Dr. Ben Schneider will be my surgeon..I have a long way to go....I have been struggling with my weight for years and have not been successful with any diet or food plan....I have diabetes and weigh in at 260. I am sick and tired of feeling sick and tired and I hate the way I look. I am exhausted all the time. I don't want to go out anywhere. My knees hurt, my ankles hurt. I get out of breath just walking...I hate living like this... So I know I made the right decision for the surgery, but the closer I get the more f…

My husband just found out that his company offers an insurance carrier THAT PAYS FOR LAP-BAND! If he had known we could have signed up for it next January but we didn't and so I'm having the surgery in 2 days and we're self-pay. Now he's really depressed and I'm thinking how all that money could have gone so many other places:omg: that puts extra pressure on me to make it all worthwhile --- life is a bummer, it just never stops! Wouldn't it be nice if insurance companies would keep pace with available treatments instead of working so hard to find ways of raising premiums for less coverage? Sorry for venting my frutration, my husband was kind of a pickle when he found ou…

Hi I am new here & have just started the process for lap band surgery. I am based in South East London & am going private with BMI healthcare (poor credit card:p ) and have my first consult witht he dietician on Monday. I have already got a referral letter from my GP & wondered, does anyone know how long the process takes from first consult to surgery? Thanks Beebee

Hello everyone, I have been approved , took all tests, and waiting for the hospital to get it's CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLANCE before Medicare will approve surgery. So far, it's been 2 months waiting for this. I am told that the committy will conduct this, on June 14, then it will take them another month and half to give the hospital the certification. In the meantime, the hospital is doing bariatric surgery on all other pt's with regular insurance. Seems a little unfair if you ask me. :help: Anyone else heard or have this problem too? Martha

I'm just wondering if you have to walk across the bridge into Tijuana?? and how can you be sure Miguel is Miguel?? and did you need a heating pad?? what kind of snacks did you take???? and what did you do after the tests on Pre-op day???? Did you take a phone card? do they have phones in your room at the hotel??? Last min. jitters I guess, sure would appreciate hearing from a few of you.... Thanks, Rett

Hello every, I have made a stupid mistake - I am 12 days in and meant to be on liquids for three week but for some reason as the kids were snacking I picked up some food and ate it (chocolate Mars Bar of all things). Don't know why - I didn't even realise that I had done it until some time later. I am paranoid now that the band will slip. Has anyone else ever made the same mistake and the band not have slipped? I eagerly await a response. Barkley from Australia Banded 22 May 2006.