Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi I am a newbie....and seriously interested in doing the procedure at the Cleveland Clinic with Dr Schauer. I went to two seminars and I have a one on one with the Dr on Feb 13th. I have been suffering from sleep apnea and it's related sx's for about 5 yrs now with an upsized fibromyalgia and cronic fatigue. My husband is a professional and extremely driven along with 5 kids (3 in college and equally high achievers)....I am entering such poor self esteem as I can't seem to get enough things done and take the steps needed to take care of myself. I have served my family tirelessly for 23yrs at the cost of my own health. Now I want to to the steps needed to regain ME. …

I am new here and wanted to introduce myself! I am Jen, I love the beach and I had lap band surgery 12/27/2005. To date I have lost 34 lbs. Tommorow I am going for my first adjustment! :kiss2: Happy Valentines Day to All!!!!!111

Hello, I have been considering banding for over a year. I live in the boonies and just found a dr. about 25-30 miles away who does this proceedure... I am determined to call for an appontment tomorrow. about how long does it generally take from first appointment to surgery?

Got banded 2-9-06. Dr. Madon, Memphis Tennessee. I'm 44 years old. Female firefighter/paramedic. Also had hiatal hernia repaired. I'm looking forward to losing the weight and have learned alot from reading the posts on this site. I usually ride the ambulance at night, thats why I am "night rider". Good luck to all.

Hi all, I have been here for a little bit, but mostly look around and read all the info. Im looking for people in the Houston, Texas area or anyone for that matter with help or suggestions on nutrition or support groups. If anyone would like to chat with me that would be great. thank you in advance for any help i recieve. cynthia :help:

Hello all! I was just banded by Dr. Alan Posner in Buffalo, NY on the 7th (one day before my birthday). Surgery went well and 4 days out I'm feeling OK (not counting the gas, diahrea, bloating, and disgust of all "clear" liquids). A little about me: I'm a 22 year old guy from Buffalo, NY. I am going to school and have a part time job to pay the bills. I love football, hockey, and all things computers. My highest weight when I first started seeing Dr. Posner was 433 :omg: but it was down to 396 the day of surgery. I found this website the other day out of boredom (sitting at home you can only watch the same movies so often). I'm glad I found a big forum to get/share so…

i have my surgery on march 1 2006:)

Hi, I'm Deb from Minnesota. I am so happy to have found this site. I know several people who have had the gastric bypass surgery but its too scary for me. When I heard about the lap band I knew that sounded much more safer to me. I have so many questions! First of all, does it seem like the weight loss is slower than you expected it to be? Are you able to drink any alcohol at all? I enjoy a cocktail or two on Friday evenings, sort of my reward for making it through the week. But I could live without it if I had to. Maybe others of you have felt like this, maybe not, but I dont want to tell everyone or really anyone for that matter that I'm going to have …

HI, I'M NEW HERE AND AM ON THE WAITING LIST FOR THE LAP BAND SURGERY. I'M 38 AND LIVE IN GLASGOW WITH MY PARTNER LEE AND MY BEAUTIFUL LITTLE GIRL BETH. I CAN'T WAIT TO GET THIS OP SO I CAN GET OUT AND LIVE LIFE WITH MY LITTLE GIRL. I REALLY FIND THE SITE INSPIRING - ESPECIALLY ALL THE BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURES AND I HOPE I'LL BE ON THERE SOON. :biggrin1: TAKE CARE YVONNE X

Hello to all, My name is Jen and I have been a bandster for 5 years. I am accustomed to the Yahoo groups, so this forum is a bit overwhelming for me. Anyway, I just thought I would introduce myself. I am a patient of Dr Rumbaut in Monterrey, Mexico. I reached my goal several years ago, maintained awhile and then got pregnant with my miracle band baby. I have also adopted 3 children, so that rounds me out to two boys and two girls. My oldest is in Kindergarten. I am currently working parttime as a patient coordinator for Dr Rumbaut. I am struggling a bit right now trying to get the last 20lbs of "baby weight" off... I am not sure if I can still call it baby weight sinc…

Hello all, My name is Cherie i live just outside London in the uk, i was banded on the 11/11/05 i have only lost 28lbs and had my first fill last week, i have a 9ml band and have got 2 mls in her, love to hear from you good luck to you all. Cherie :kiss2:

Hello all! I have been through a very long and exceedingly tedious process with my insurance and was certian they had denied me for good, but then I had a scheduled visit with my surgeon this last week. I am APPROVED...AND....my surgury is Friday February 10th! I am so excited to be starting down a new path in this adventure we call life! :dance: Wooohooo....liquid diet HERE I COME!! (never thought I would be happy to say that) I am so glad I found this site! Skye

Hi Everyone, I'm so glad I found this site, you guys have great info and advice !! I was banded on January 19th, I'm doing really good - no complications. My first fill is on Valentine's Day, isn't that romantic ?!!! I gotta make one of those weight loss time tables you all have, those are cool. Peace out homeys !!

so happy to find this place. i'm winding my way through the pre-approval process. so far, so good. decided that between the band and the bypass, the band is for me. hoping surgery will happen in early march, but a lot depends on the insurance provider. i've lost 100+ pounds 3 times in the last 16 years. hoping surgery will help may the 4th a keeper. thanks for any advice on insurance, banded life, avoiding pitfalls (the erosion threads are scaring me.) unopadre

:) Let me introduce myself, I had VBG 20 yrs. ago which worked great the first several years but now am in the position of planning to have Lap Band surgery. I am new to using computers so if my postings seem strange bare with me. (For instance there is a happy face scratching it's head I can't delete!) SassyGal

I was banded Friday 2/3 by Dr. Spivak in Houston. I don't know why, but I didn't expect to be so sore. I've never had abdominal surgery before so I guess I just didn't know what to expect. How long does this usually last? I'm back at work today, but it's still not easy getting up and down. I'm a teacher so I have to move some, but I'm trying to sit as much as possible. Also, when should I expect to start losing weight? Thanks, AngieO

Friday. The Lapband is my choice and also my doctor's, because I am 60 yrs. young and less invasive. I am diabetic and have not been following the proper diet. The Doc told me to get on the diabetic diet and loose weight before the next appointment, which is the first week in March. I started yesterday after my consultation. I'm soooooooo excited to have this done. I've been doing soooo good with my food intake, except last night when I went to a crab chippino fest. ...oh so bad. My Doc wants all of the patients to have a psych and nutrition evaluation before the procedure. Is this the procedure for all of the other physicans? I live in the San Francisco Area. Anyone else…

I had my surgery on thurs. in san francisco a good experience so far. i did have to go to the emergency room fri. night with dehydration. each day is getting better. i thank you all for the forum posts and before and after pics you all are beautiful. I started at 220 hoping for 150 in 1 year???

I'm a spinster librarian from southeast Louisiana. My house and I both survived Katrina, and I was banded by Dr. Thomas Lavin in Slidell, Louisiana on 11/21/2005. I got through the soft food phase and was able to eat waaaayyy too much food over the holidays. However, I only gained two pounds, so I didn't think that was too bad. I had my first fill on 1/5/06 and my second on 2/1/06. I've lost 12 pounds since that first fill. I still get fairly hungry between meals, so I don't think I've found that perfect fill level yet. I took Meridia for several months prior to my surgery to try to get in better shape for the surgery. In May 2005 when I started the Meridia I weighed …

Hi my name is Sue I live in New York City. I began research on WLS September 2005. My BMI pre-surgery was 50.5 My highest BMI ever was 60. I’ve kept that weight off for over 8 years but have been unable to maintain a BMI of under 50 for any period of time. Yup I’ve been on every diet that ever existed and then some …been successful on many but few for the long term. One thing I have going for me is that I have consistently exercised for the past 8 years. After much research and all the necessary pretesting I was very fortunate to be approved by my insurance company in one day. I guess the fact that I have a BMI over 50, sleep apnea, Hypothyroidism and High Choleste…

Hello all, I am new to this site, been lurking around and decided to introduce myself. I am impressed with this site and all the support that is shown to each new member and all the informtion that is available. I am 39 y/o married RN in Anchorage AK. I have 2 dogs, 1 cat. My husband is very supportive on my banding and my journey. I was banded 1/7/06, 4 weeks out. Due to my insurance wouldnt cover my surgery and so ended up having to go to Mexico. Dr. Joya in Puerto vallarta did my surgery. I have nothing but good things to say about him and his team. I have hardly no restriction:hungry: :cry now so have to watch myself closely. I am having a hard time finding…

Hi all Came across your board while researching options for bariatric surgery and think its a great resource not to mention everyone is so friendly! I am 32 and have a BMI of 45. I live in NYC and I am originally from the South. I have a dog that I adore and a really great group of friends that are like extended family here in the city. I was considering RNY surgery before I had heard of Banding and as an option I now cannot imagine having the by-pass. My one problem- I have Aetna for my insurance with no other options short of taking out a personal policy which I cannot really afford. I am taking the appeal process to its end but I am now considering doing a self p…

Hi, my name is Julia and I'm just beginning the research into having this procedure done. I am currently 234 pounds at 5'7" tall. I'm not even sure that I qualify for the procedure...I'm thinking about seeing a doctor. Just in the beginning of my fact finding mission, I guess. Anyway, I'm glad to be here, and I'm hoping that this is the beginning of the end of stuggling with my weight, which has been a lifetime issue for me. Take Care, Julia

I received a recommendation from my husband's co-worker to come here and I'm finding loads of useful information. I am in the early stages of researching lap-band surgery and have a question regarding if some one should have this surgery or not. As many of you have, I have struggled with my weight most of my life. The only way I've ever been able to control my weight is to be hyper,hyper active (exercising 6 days a week for a couple of hours a day) and really constrict my calorie intake(less than 1000 calories a day). While this kept the weight off, it was just too hard to keep up as I was always exhausted. I won't bore you with all my history because I'm sure you're…

Hi, Everyone! My name is Patti from Southeast Texas. I am a newbie for this Forum. I am 55 years of age. I had my band last summer, July 20, 2005 in Houston. Now I have lost over 114 pounds less in six months!! I feel so much better in health. I still need to lose another 121 pounds to reach my weight goal. I am eager to know the lapband board members. We learn from each other & support to get to our goals. God Bless. Patti B. 385/271/150 :clap2: Banded: July 20, 2005 Dr. Felix Spiegel

Hey Guys Im new at this forum, Im from NJ and Im getting banded on Feb 18. I have read some of your stories and Im impressed. But Im a little scared; never had no type of surgery. So you guys are a support to me. Thanks.

hi i am just starting....had the first visit with my doctor and am now doing all the pre operation stuff.....but i think i am going to do the complete bypass.....is this only a lapband sight? My Dr, is Dr Billy he seems nice

Hi all, I am starting on my jorney. I made the decision that the Lap Band is the right thing for me. Now I am gathering information so I can figure out the logistics: when, where, which doctor to use, etc... Thank you Luci

Hi everyone, Just wanted to say "hello" to all. Just found this site and I look forward to learning a lot from all of you. I finally have my date for my lapband surgery, Feb.13th :biggrin1:!! I meet with my Dr. on Thursday for the pre-op directives. I'm using Dr. Hamn from Plano, TX. If anyone else here has used him or is going to use him, I'd be interested to hear from you. Thanks!

Hi, this is my first post and I just want to thank everyone whose posts I have read that have enabled me to be so informed with this difficult decision. I have just gone 33 and live in old Blighty! Any other brits out there? I have been for my appointment with the surgeon today and am booked in to be banded Sat 11th Feb. As I have demonstrated in my log-in name I do believe Life is for Now and we shouldn't put off anything "until I lose weight" - I have done this for too long. I am ready to start my journey now. :nervous

Hi folks I just found this site today while looking on the internet and I have been reading some of the posts for a while and this is great. I was banded in June 04 and have lost 66lbs. Wish the weight loss was greater but I need to excercise and it would be. Can't wait to join some of the discussions. Look forward to talking to you guys.

Hi, everyone! I'm so happy that there is a board like this. I have learned so much about the procedure, and everything that goes along with it. I'm especially glad for the "complications" thread, because I like knowing that my intelligence is being respected, and that it's not a "rainbow and lollipop" sort of environment. I'm currently seriously considering the surgery. I went to my doctor on Thursday, and to my surprise, she was for it. However, I want to emphasize that I'm still just considering. If I could get the surgery next week, I'd say no, for a variety of reasons. I was talking to my mother about it, and she made a very good point; one that I've been t…

Hello everyone, My name name is Lisa, I'm from Summerville,SC I had my surgery in Mexico by Dr. Kuri, and was banded on 9/27

I don't really "know" anyone yet, but anxious to do so. I have had a couple of sweet people PM me. I have been whining about not losing weight, but after my second fill THE RESTRICTION IS ON! Thanks everyone and keep it up!:bananajump:

Hi! Iam very new to this site and to this forum. I like it very much and i"m sure I will use it a lot. I had my surgery done in Hungary, 16/01/06. So far I only lost 10 lbs, what is bagging me. I came back from Hungary on the 26th of January and I am feeling very alone with my band...I have a husband and to sons, but they only interested in "how much?" I lost. I am also concernd about who would do my fill in the future and some after care if I would need it. I am looking for people, who was banded somewhere else and had a fill in Calgary, AB. Is there anybody like that? Thanks Kati:confused:

I am brand new here. I'm being banded tomorrow in Houston by Dr. Spivak. My instructions are to stay on liquids for 48 hours and then move on to very soft food. From everything I'm reading on this site, it sounds like I should stay on liquids longer than 48 hours. What does everyone suggest? I really want to be successful and have as few complications as possible. What liquids are the best? Is soup ok? What about applesauce? I have so many questions. I'd love any advice.:help: Thank you, AngieO

hi everyone. i'm mary b. banded april 14, 05. lost 13 lbs so far. i need help or a new doctor. dr. tiffany jesse, in largo, florida. i was filled at 3.8cc the end of nov. and have never had any restrictions. am i a freak or what. i feel like i made a hugh and expensive mistake. i see her again on monday for a fill. i tell her my concerns and complaints, but she just says you're ok. i always lose a pound or 2 so she thinks that's good enough. after my year with her in april, i am looking for a new dr. something ain't right. :angry

Hello All - I have posted a few times here but never made a formal introduction, so I thought it was high time I did so. My name is Kayla, I live in Boise, ID and will be banded on February 27th by Dr. Cahn. I chose the name Veritas as my user name because it is Latin for truth and I felt like that was an appropriate word for me right now. I think I am finally ready to be honest and truthful with myself about why I am overweight and what it is going to take to change my life. I grew up on a farm and have been overweight practically my whole life. I always told myself it was because I was "big boned" and came from "sturdy stock" (come to think of it, I think my pa…

hi girlies and guys! im a 19 year old female.. just got banded almost three weeks ago. doing very well with eating and drinking, have lost 17lbs.. is that normal? or to fast? or to slow? so great to be a part of this community!:clap2:

Hi. I have a meeting with a lap band surgeon on Valentines Day 2006. I am hoping to get my insurance to make an exception and pay for my lap band. They do pay for gastric bypass but I don't want that and can't have it because I have ulcerative colitis. Anyone else have UC?

Cool forum I found here :confused: I was banded 1/16/06, and have posted on the yahoo bandsters group. It's annyoing though to try to follow responses in an email format. Maybe some of those guys are here, or maybe I'll bring some!! So I am in the full liquids/ super mushy foods stage. No head hunger to speak of. Incisions are still sore, and I have not returned to work yet. I would turn down a fill if offered to me right now because of the awesome portion sizes I am able to feel satisfied from. 1 pudding snack is a meal! I am carefully getting my Protein and Vitamins, but man, this is cool!! Look forward to getting to know you regulars - Choirgirl 283/271/150 …

Hello I just wanted to introduce myself as newly banded in Texas. I had my band surgery on 1-11-2006 by Dr. Benavides at the Richardson Surgery Center. I cant say enough about the Doctor, his staff and the wonderful care they provided. :clap2: Everything has gone smoothly except I have this rumbling in my tummy. I just finished the stage 1 clear liquid diet and have moved on to stage 2 of mush/blended. I am scheduled for my first fill on, of all days, Valentines Day. I am wondering what to expect after my first fill...Should I save the money and cancel my restaurant reservations for Valentines Night or will I still be able to eat? :hungry:

Hello, I am new to this site. I will be attending a seminar tomorrow in Tacoma, Washington. I have a appointment set to meet with a surgeon on Monday Feburauy 6th. I have battled obesity(on a dr.diet at 3 weeks old) my entire life. I now can take the time for my self. I have much support from my family, but wish to have the support from others that have had the band or going to be banded soon. You all sound so positive and I am looking forward to joining the journey!

I am totally new to this forum. I was banded on 12/21/05 and have lost 20 pounds. I am back on solid foods and have actually gained a couple of pounds back. Is this normal? I have not had a fill yet - I think the first one will be Feb.16th. Will this help? Any special diet pre or post fills? I am freaking out a bit!:cry

Hi all, I'm Jamie, from the UK and i had my surgery on wednesday afternoon. Back home the next day, no major pain to speak of other than the expected pain from stiches etc. Gas pain is the biggest single thing for me....seems to come and go but basically it just feels like i need to a big burp but can't Feeling good otherwise Thanks Jamie

hi Banded 1/24 in morristown. Feeling good now starting weight 234 lets see how it goes!!!!

I have been looking into banding for a couple years now. My insurance has a written exclusion that rules out everything from counseling and supplements to surgery. I went the self-pay route as so many of us have. My Doc was great. My pain is rapidly subsiding and my bruising is nearly gone. I do have some drainage (ick) but it has reduced the swelling in the port incision. So no bad there. I am still on purees. My question is about swelling. My ankles and legs have been swelling from the large amounts of salt in the soups I have been blending. I gained a pound and a half in water weight! What have you guys done to feed yourselves during the puree stage to cut…

Hey guys, My name is Mandi, and I am very close to finalizing my decision to get the lapband. I should have a definite decision tomorrow! I'm super excited, and a little scared. I'm 25 years old, about 275-280 lbs. I started gaining weight when I was about 9 years old, and it hasn't let up! Despite many many many dieting attempts, I've continued to gain. Like I'm sure most of you, I dieted and was sometimes successful, but that always ended up with me gaining back my loss and then some. I had originally been dead set on getting the RNY. But, the wait lists in Canada are just not acceptable for me. I know people do it, and more power to them. If I wasn't luck…

Hello to all at LBT!! :wave: This is my first post, but I have been lurking and learning for a couple weeks now. I have been doing a lot of research regarding the band and have found this site to be the most informative for a variety of topics. I especially appreciate the candor along with the warmth I have seen here.....I really feel blessed to have found this site through a google search. I had my consultation last week and have scheduled my psy eval for Feb 6th. All the paperwork is in line to get approval and I can't wait to get a surgery date!! My husband is going to have the surgery after me. It will be nice to do this together. We can't really do it at the…

Hello Everyone, This is my first post I am being banded for the second time on 02/01 first time my gall bladder had a big problem with my band. I am very nervous just wondering if any one else had had their ban removed. Glad to find this site and some support.