Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi everyone! I have a date set for 3/23 still waiting for my insurance approval. I'm quite nervous waiting . I was just wondering what to tell family and friends. How does everyone handle social events and Holidays? Food is such a big part of everyday living. I didnt want to jinx myself till I found out from my insurance. Just that its getting close

:help: I'm not sure how to use this for posting. This is my first time on. I've been reading everyones comments and decided to ask a question or two. I was banded on 3/10/06 and I'm doing great, but I feel like I have no restrictions. I was wondering if anyone else felt the same? It's only been 6 days and I am able to eat chicken and turkey chili and things like that without feeling sick. Has this happened to anyone else?

:biggrin1: Well hello all, after sitting on this site for the last six months I am due to be banded ( all going to form) on 17 april, I have sat on this site for a while before decidiing what I wanted to do, I can't express how amazing this site has been for me, has answered so much more than a doctors clinic could, and I appreciate all of you that have made contributions to this site, thank u all!!! If anyone is due to be banded at this time I would love to make contact you and go thru' this together, I am 35, female, single and looking to get my life back...............anyone else feel the same Kind regards fiona:)

Hello to Everyone, I was banded May 2, 2005 in TJ, MX by Dr. Ariel Ortiz. The medical experience was wonderful and not a bit threatening from a professional stand point being a RN in the states. I weighed 276 at my highest and I weighed 227 to 230 right now. I'm not in a good eating frame of mind and have had difficulty with food sticking, so I have resorted to Protein shakes and other soft foods on occasion. I need to get back on track :clap2:

Hi. I joined this board last Friday and have really enjoyed it. I'm from Texarkana and was banded 10/26/05. It's been slow going, but it's my own fault. I must admit, I'm not near as knowledgeable about this band as I thought I was. I have tons of questions, like what determines what size band you have? What is the difference of the band sizes? What causes erosion? Do I need to worry about erosion? This last fill has made me PB a lot, but only when I eat too fast or too large a bite...i'm figuring it out. Finally learning not to drink when I eat, etc. Sorry for all the ?'s but I'm just trying to figure out what it's all about...after the fact...ha. I'll admit, I thought t…

Hello - I'm new to group - had surgery 11.18.05 with dr. ortiz/martienez in Tijuana and had first fill on 1/14/06. Have had lots of issues learning to chew and eat slow and still am fighting some hunger and lots of head issues with eating. It's not as 'easy' as i thought it would be. May be ready for another fill (i think i have 2.3cc's) as my eating is increasing and my weight is starting to go up. Weight loss has been very slow and I've lost 8lbs since my fill. My bmi is/was lower then a lot of people so I accept it but wish it was a bit more. This has been quite the experience/journey and I am learning a lot. Thanks to all who have gone before me as your experienc…

Hi, Holly here. Enjoying the posts. Banded 2/10/06. I've lost 33 lbs since preop diet began 2/1. First fill planned 3/26.

Hi This is my first post and just wanted to say Hi :confused:. I was banded on 28th Feb and have lost 22lbs from the 2 week pre op diet stage to now. I am still in my 2 week post op liquid stage and looking forward to eating food again !! :hungry: I look forward to learning and sharing with you all :eek: Cheers Lynda

Hi Everyone. Well I have made my decision to be banded. I am tired of constant back pain and dang it im only 35...i wanna have a life again. So here we go on this journey. :clap2:

Hi everyone, I was banded in December 2004 at the WISH Center in Springboro OH (Middletown Regional Hospital) and had a good experience. I have a Vanguard band (10 cc band). I have had 2 fills, no problem with the fills. The first fill was 4 cc. Not a lot of restriction, got a second fill to 8 cc in March 2005. The second fill did give me some restriction. However, now I can eat anything I want. I have a wicked sweet tooth which doesn't help matters and I am a total carb addict. I can eat mashed potatoes like there is no tomorrow. Not much of a meat eater. That is a problem. The only vegetable I like is corn and potatoes. I have lost about 12 lbs since I wa…

Hi! My name is Shelby and I'm new to the site. I'm a new member of the "lap-band" society having been banded on 2-28-2006 by Dr. Srikanth. So far I've lost 18 lbs with a long way to go until my goal weight. I've had wonderful support surrounding me throughout the whole ordeal. Mostly from my loving husband. It has been a struggle though to see everyone around me enjoying food. I'm still on week 2 of 4 of the liquid phase. Looking forward to the coming 4 weeks of pureed when I can enjoy mashed potatoes and some solids (just pureed). I'm nervous about the solid food stage. There are so many aversions that we banded people can come across. Hopefully all will work out! :…

Just want to say hello and I too look forward to learning and sharing with all of you. I think I am doing okay I am down 9 pounds so far and it was a week today. Had trouble with a gelcap getting stuck two days ago and ever sense it seems really sensitive when I ingest anything but clear, will this go away soon? I have little internal burps and hiccups sometimes, I had a PB when it happened, this did not hurt my band I hope...?? Greetings, Diane

Hi all! I am new to the board and just wanted to say hello. I am tentatively scheduled to be banded on 4/18/06, pending insurance approval. I just have a question for experienced bandsters. Are you hungry????

Three years after banding, I weight more than ever. I'm still throwing up, even after several adjustments. This has not been the solution I had hoped. Now I just want it taken OUT! What is involved, physically and financially? My surgeon is in Houston, and I like him very much. But it involves flying to Houston for each procedure. I don't necessarily trust the newcomers in my area...

I am considering the surgery. Have been researching the different types and trying to make up my mind for a couple of years.:confused: I currently have HMO Blue of TX and am wondering how that will work out for me. Anyone with experience on that one? The good news is that I can change my insurance carrier each fall. I am considering a couple of doctors - if they take my insurance. Dr. Spivak and Dr. Robert Marvin with Obesity Surgery Specialists in Houston. I spent a lot of time thinking I wanted the Duodenal Switch, but then decided that I should try the least invasive procedure to start - and hopefully it will work for me. We'll see... I have been overweigh…

Hello all! This is my first time on the site. I'm from Cincinnati and was banded on 1/20/06 by Dr. Trace Curry. Lost 28 so far:clap2: , so far so good!

Hi to all, I am just learning about lap band. My son's girlfriend had it and has had great success. I am seriously considering it and wanted to hear from people that has had it done. I have been reading everything I can get my hands on but i think talking to people with experience is the best information. I am looking into having it done in about 6 months. Rhonda

Hello! I have been poking around this site for a few days, great info here! I am really really thinking hard about this. I am really ready to be free of hating my body. I do not want to waste any more of my life being consumed with shame, struggle and depression. I have tried many diets, but not any 'Dr supervised'. My BMI is 36 (I think). I am 5'9" (I swear I was 5'10" until this past summer!!), 250lbs. I am 35. I've had 4 kids. I have no comorbidities, but do have tons of aches and pains every day. My feet and ankles hurt, my hips hurt, my back hurts. And I am infertile, used IVF for my kids. I know my insurance wont pay. I have also already had breast reduction an…

Hello, This is my first post so I am learning. In July I had blood clots in my legs that moved to my lungs and spent a few days in the hospital. The first thing my Dr said to me was Smoke and die, and Blood thinners for life! That being enough of a 2x4 upside the head, I quit smoking and started on my way to a 20 lb weight gain. Also i was unable to take ibuprofen anymore for my bad knees so I started excersising and walking less and less as they got worse and worse. This also led to a weight gain. I had previously lost 65 lbs on Adkins but had been stalled for a long while. I gained almost all this back in 4 months. Talking to my Dr about what to do with my knees, she s…

Hi everyone. I've only been researching this procedure for about a month now, but somehow know this is the way I need to go. I'm 5'4'', 230 lbs, and my blood pressure is high. I've tried everything and have had some success, but it always comes back, plus. Since I will be self-pay and on a limited budget I have decided I could probably only afford the Dr.'s in Mexico. I appreciate all of you in advance for all the good information and advice you have to share. Thanks again. Sam

I'm pretty new to this board, I posted only once before, and now I forgot how to do it, hopefully I'm posting in the right board, I just couldn't figure out how to start a thread to ask this question: I'm eating now between 1200-1350 for the past two weeks, before I was doiong 1500-1600 and I was in a long plateau, I broke it after my last fill, but I'm concerned that I may still be eating too many calories? Can you tell you how many are you eating? any advises please? I weight 249 now, I walk 30-45 min per day. Thank you for your help. Elena:help:

Hello! Today is Wednesday and I get surgery Friday. I'm looking forward to it. WAHOOO!

Hi all, I had my first doctors appointment for Lap Banding last week and on the weekend I found this site. Your stories, successes and support of each other made me cry tears of joy and relief. I am now more certain than ever that banding is for me and I have booked in for the 30th March with Dr Blair Bowden in Brisbane, Australia. I would love to hear from other girls here in Brisbane. I'm nervous and excited at the thought of this being my best ever opportunity to live without being overweight. I look forward to taking this journey with you all. Fleur

Just got the insurance approval :clap2:, and am waiting for the evaluation/training meeting before surgery. Nervous. I've tried everything, dodged a bullet from 1½ years on Fen-Phen back in the 90's, and have just gotten so frustrated. I was even on Ionamin, Tenuate, and others as a child. I seem to have inherited a tendendcy to eat mechanically, whether I'm hungry or not. :hungry: Any advice for a soon-to-be-banded Newbie? stevemitchell

Hello everyone, my name is Sigrid and i got my swedish band on the 4. January. Since than, i lost 14 kg (sorry, i don´t know how much it is in lbs) and i´m very happy with my gastric-banding. The german doctor´s use only the swedish-gastric-band, because the complications with the lapband. Is there only the lapband in usa ?? Please excuse my bad english, i hope you understand me.... have a nice day in usa and greetings from germany Sigi

Hi everyone! My name is Kim, and I am new to this site. I was banded on 8/30/05, and to date I have lost about 60 lbs. I am still learning, and I enjoy reading about other bandsters experiences.

Hello Everyone Well I am new here and this will be my first post. My name is Vickie and I am from Arlington MA. I am married with a child. I also work full time as a Sales Manager. I got my date last week and I will be Banded on 4/11/06. Just in time for me not to enjoy Easter dinner :cry . But I am dealing with it:) . I am hoping to meet some people out here who has had Dr. Sheldon Randall out of Lawerence Memrial Hospital in Medford MA who he has performed the Lap band on. I have met several people who he has done the Gastric Bypass on but never the Lap Band. Please let me know how your experience was with him. Other replies are welcomed of course.

Hi, I live in East Tennessee. I was banded on 12/27/05 by Dr. Mike Hodge at the Johnson City Med Center. My starting weight was 240lbs and as of this morning I am at 199lbs. I haven't bought new clothes yet but the ones I am wearing are getting so baggy that my friend at Church told my husband he needed to buy me some new clothes. Being banded was the best thing I have ever done for myself. I am off all my diabetic medicine and at my last visit to the doctor he cut my heart medicine in half. He said he will probably take me off the heart medicine at my next visit. This weekend my son came home. He had not seen me since I had surgery. He was thrilled at my progress.…

Hi, I had a mid-band done 10/02 by Dr. Frering in Lyon, France. At the time the eurodollar was worth less than the american dollar not so now so no trip to France. It was a fun tourist trip and a great experience medically. I'd highly recommend him! However do to some unusual circumstances my band slipped forward on my stomach/esphogus and the surgeon in my area would only remove it. If I had a bariatric surgeon do it my insurance wouldn't cover anything. So to make this long story much shorter I want my band back along with the health and happiness it brought. I had lost +100lbs and kept if off over 2 yrs. Since 9/05 when it was removed I've gained back 70lbs. It's all …

Hi new to the sight and happy to find others out there experiencing the same things. Plus it's nice to talk to people who know what your feeling.:straight I had the same reactions after the operation as the threads that I have read, I got very depressed and wondered if I did the right thing but as of today I am happy that I was banded, still a little scared but I guess that's normal. I will be visiting often. Banded 12/30/2005 270lbs. 1st Fill 2/14/2006 243lbs. as of today 238 lbs. :clap2:

Well first of all it's nice to be here. I'm so busy most of the time, but my weightloss and Banded achievements are very important to me. So, I'll check in as often as I can. Take care! :confused:

Hello, My name is Tammy and I had LapBand surgery 3 days ago. I feel this has been the best decision I've made. I do have pain on my right side where the port is, but I hope it goes away soon. I am now on liquids and then on soft foods and then after 4 weeks I will have the first band adjustment. Please let me know if this pain is normal and what foods do you suggest I can eat during this time?

Hi everyone, My name is Tanya, i am 37, and live in MD. Monday 2/20/06 was my lap band surgery at St. Agnes Hosp in Baltimore. I am feeling a little better 5 days later except for the terrible gas pains which don't seem to go away. I'm just on liquids now such as water, apple juice, chicken broth(not my favorite) jello and popsicles. I don't really feel hungry but my tummy sure makes a lot of noises, maybe that's just more gas, i'm not sure, it's hard to tell. I have been a little depressed and wondering if this surgery was the right decision but i guess when i start seeing results and am able to get around better without pain my attitude will change. I hope to mak…

New here but not new to the information. I have been looking into the lap-band surgery now for well over 4 months. I have a BMI of 39.3 and no co-morbities that I know of as of yet, well cept the knee pain I get when going up and down the stairs more than usual. So far that I know about my insurance is that I will have to have a 12 month supervised diet. I felt totally let down when I heard this and was going to just forget about the whole thing. And of course I gained a few more pounds since then (comfort eating). Then I thought, what is 12 months?? And then sometimes I think 12 months is going to take forever to get here, but too bad, I gotta do this! So on March 8th I …

Hi everyone, My name is Dawn. I asked a few questions a few months back regarding insurance but I have not posted anything since. I am in the process of trying to have the lap band done. Unfortunately my insurance will not cover this so I am having to pay out of pocket. Most likely going to Mexico. I live in the Chicago area so I have contacted a few doctors about lap fills and have found a couple. I have learned so much from this forum. I appreciate everyone's comments, good and bad, because that is the only way to decide whether or not you are making the right choice. I would also like to say how great everyone looks who have posted before and after pictures. …

Hi all- I've been scanning this site for a week or so now, just getting up the courage to post. I'm getting my band Wednesday morning (3/1). I'm excited and scared, just ready to get it over with. I just wanted to send a quick post and thank all of you for sharing the good and the bad about your bands, it really helps those of us who are just starting out. Jennifer :nervous

Hi Everyone:) !! I am a new member here, but have lurked for a few weeks. I am pre op and going for my consult Wednesday 3/8/06 at the New Program in Newport Beach, CA with Dr. Quebbemann. I went to their Information Meeting on Tuesday Night. I will be self pay as my insurance has a written exclusion for WLS. This will be my second consultation, I had one last summer and decided to lose weight with a Trainer and Jenny Craig. :faint: Well that did not work for me, I still have the trainer and am now just a more physically fit obese person:p ! The problem now is if I stop working out for one week I gain weight! I am 40, 80 pounds over weight, mom of two girls, married, li…

I am new to the site and very interested in getting the lapband. I am 31 feeling 40+. I weigh 280 and have been big all of my life. I am done I need the lap band, but I have no incurance. I can still pay alot but not 23000+. Does anyone know the cheapest safest way I can get this done? Please help me out and tell me your experince.

Hi. I am getting ready to have lap band surgey in April. I am very excited to have this done. I have been overweight since I was 9 years old. I am now 31 and weigh over 300 lbs. I have a BMI of 48-50! I have tried SEVERAL diets and other things to lose but nothing has halped like I know this will. I am scared of how much of a change it is in your life but I know that I can do it! I have the support of my husband, my 2 boys and my mother. I am looking forward to getting to know alot of you and your expieriences with lap band surgery and how each of your lives have changed since you have had the surgery. Sincerely,

Hello everyone, My name is Karen and I live in Pittsburgh, Pa. I am 32 and have an appointment to start the lapband application process on 3-16. :clap2: I am a research fanatic so in the 2 weeks since I have discovered the lap band surgery, I am hooked. I can't wait to have it done. I am new to these boards and am still trying to figure out how to use them lol. Have a great week, Karen

hi, everyone this is my first time writing in here, i'm looking to hopefully find some people in here that has had the lap-band done by Dr.Raymond Compton in paris tennessee, but if not i look forward to talking to all of you. god bless you all.,,,also i may add that i looking forward to a date in about 4 weeks just waiting on insurance keeping my fingers crossed ,,theres been no problem with insurance as of yet.:clap2:

Hey there, I have been lurking on this board for more than 1 1/2 years and I decided that it's time to say hey! I've been banded for 1 year and have lost 52 pounds so far. And I am loving my band! That's all for now. I'll post more later!

Hello, my name is Maria and I live near Seattle, WA. I am currently doing research so that I can have the lap band surgery. I am considering having it done by Dr.Kuri or Dr.Aceves. I have heard lots of good things @ Dr.Kuri, but haven't seen much on Dr.Aceves. All of your information is great, and I hope to be able to make new friends from this site, and get help with finding the right doctor. Good luck to all of you in your weight loss journeys :clap2: Maria

Hi everyone! I have just made the decision to get the lap-band surgery. I have a BMI of 46 and the following problems: - elevated heart rate - sleep apnea - Fatty Liver (NASH) - Gall Stones - Depression/Anxiety I need to lose 130 lbs! However my insurance will not cover the procedure so I will be a cash patient. I am in the process of scheduling my surgery for sometime in March. Naturally I am nervous and scared. I'm worried about the excess skin people talk about and hair loss and banding complications. However, I will be so pleased to get off the CPAP and see some improvement in my other ailments. I met the Dr. last week. All that he wants me to do is provide…

Hello everyone. I am scheduled for March 23 with Dr. Joya in Puerto Vallarta. Very excited, very scared. I have been on the Thanksgiving diet (when you feel you can breath again, you eat some more) for a while now. I am so looking forward to a tool to teach me portion control. I am so glad I found this site because I have so many questions, and have found so many answers here.

Hi, My name is Robin and I am going to get my band on March 7th. Have been waiting for a year to get here and am a little nervous now. I know dozens of people who have had bypass, but no one who has had the band. I'm way to chicken to go the other route, although the need of help is really great. I know what I've been told about the procedure, but not having anyone that has been banded is difficult, because I don't really know what to expect. Everyone I know has had the major weight loss up front so this is going to be really different. I have never joined a website before, but in checking out another site, this one was referenced and since it was for lap band people only…

I’m betting my band on March 7 & I’ve never had any type of surgery before. I know this is the right decision for me but at the same time I’m very scared of all the complications & also very nervous about adapting to life post-band. :help: Anyway... I am very happy to find this forum. I’ve been overweight most of my life and I must have done almost every diet there is. I’m from Athens, Greece, female, 32 years old, 145 pounds overweight & hoping for the best.

My name is Ms. Vicki. I am married with 4 children. My only daughter is 26, married and just gave birth to my first grandchild. I have a 23 yr old son in the US Coast Guard, a 15 yr old son and a 13 yr old son. I work for an oil company and am very active in my church. I was born a "preemie", and I think that is the only time in my life I've been underweight. I have always had to struggle with the pounds. My starting weight is 338 lbs. I went to Dr. Spivak's seminar (Houston, TX) seminar on Feb 10, they sent application for insurance approval on Feb 14, I was approved on Feb 20 (less than 1 week!) and I had my Pre-ops on Feb 21. My surgery is scheduled for Feb 27. I am …

Hi to all! I was just banded on February 14th. Today makes one week and about 4:00 every evening I began to get hungry. Is this normal? I have been reading some of your comments for the last week and I hope that I do as well as you all have done on dropping the weight. I guess patience is the thing right. Well hope to talk to some of you soon. Just wanted to say Hi! Tasha

Hello fellow bandsters!! i have a dillema...:help: I have cheated after only 8 days post-op. I have no restriction what so ever, I have lost 9 lbs so far. I was banded on 2/10/06. But I have not been able to loose anymore weight. I have not been able to stay on full liquids and soft foods. I do liquids all day but I then I cheat at dinner time. I am scared that my band could have eroded since I have not taken care of it. Any advise or comments are greatly appreciated. I can't wait for a fill. Hopefully i can see a difference as far as restriction. bye for now.. Lillster