Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello everyone and congratulations on your successess! I have been reading posts for a few days now and was so glad when I found this site. I am in the starting process of this whole thing. However, I have realized that more insurances then not, mine included are not covering any sort of weightloss surgeries medications etc. Where do you start when trying to fight them to get this covered? Where do you find financing for the surgery if they continue to deny it? I am a nurse and work on a surgery trauma unit and we are rolling out our barriatric section of our unit in feb. I have been to several seminars offerred by the companies that do the teaching to the Drs. r…

Hello everyone, I am very happy to find this forum. I have a appt. on 2/11 & I'm very nervous. I have been hearing horror stories about lap band. One of my close friends went to 6 different symposiums and they all say the same. She ended up having Gastric Bypass RNY. She is very happy with the results. Now she is telling me that in the beginning she was stuck on having lapband no matter what but going to the meetings made her think otherwise. Even the FDA website tells you that there is 90% complications with the lapband, especially with leakage, slipping and extreme nausea and vomiting. I am 130 pounds overweight, and I am very goal oriented to lose the wei…

Hi guys! I'm a new bandster as well. I was banded on 11/21/05 and wasn't able to get my first fill until 1/12/05. I have a really silly question for anyone willing to answer. What is PB? I have the chest pain symptoms that many speak of, but am not sure what the term stands for. Thanks! Suzi Banded by Dr. Hadar Spivak Houston, TX

This is my first post and I am a little nervous, not too familar with how these forums work so here goes... I was banded by Dr. Aceves in Mexicali, Mexico on January 12, 2006. I just finished the Clear liquids stage, wasn't too bad although I never thought that chicken broth could taste so good (little bit of heaven after nothing but Water and apple juice.) :hungry: I have lost 12 pounds since the surgery but am worried about what will happen now that I'm on soft foods. I don't want to gain it back. It's all so new. I'm so pleased to have found a place where I can 'meet' other bandsters. My surgery sister, Michelle, has been a godsend to me and shared this site wit…

Hi. My name is Carmen. I live in Columbia, SC. I've researched WLS for years and fought the decision to go forward but decided in November to pursue surgery and actually have a date 2/16 for a Lap RNY. Since getting a date I have done further research and have an appt tomorrow to discuss the banding instead with my surgeon. I'm scared of thr risks but I need to do something. I welcome any advice and appreciate this forum to learn and have support. :thankyou:

Hello everyone! I am finally going to be brave and actually post a message instead of just reading all of them. I am so glad I found this website. It has really helped me make the decision to have surgery. I have went to the seminar and had my first appointment. I do not know anyone that has had band surgery so all of your comments and thoughts are very helpful.

I have had my surgical consult and my doctor requires that I lose 5-10% of my current body weight before surgery. Yikes! For me that's between 19-36 pounds. I am focusing on 20 lbs. My surgery will be either Feb 27th or March 13th (depending on how quickly insurance approves it). Today is my first day on my pre-surgery diet which is supposed to be 3 protein shakes a day and unlimited fruits and veggies. I am supposed to follow this 75% of the time and the remaining 25% have lean protein. Little to no carbs except for what's in the fruits and veggies. My question is this - how many of you all had to do something like this and was the diet similar? My problem is I …

Hi, I'm new to the site and hope I'm doing this right. I was banded August 19th 2005 by doctors Ortiz and Martinez. I had my first and second fills in October and currently have 1.8cc. I have a question for some more experienced banders and that is, do you experience a lot of restriction some times and then others little to none at all? I eat something one day with little to no problem and then the next day try to eat the same thing and I can't even pass one or two bites????? I'm thinking about going for another fill in the next couple of weeks, not losing weight or inches and am usually able to eat too much. I've only lost 25 lbs since being banded in August and …

My name is Jennifer and I live in a small town in SC and I was banded on 12/19/05 (what I now consider my new b-day!) And so far I have lost 30 pounds!! :clap2: I go in for my first fill on 02/14/06 Looking forward to learning all I can and meeting lots of new people that are going thru the same thing that I am!

Hi! My name's Janet (clever screen name, huh ). My hubby & I are in Keller, TX (Dallas-Ft Worth Metroplex) & we're very pre-op -- we go in next Tuesday for our initial evaluation. We’re hoping to self-pay, though (been saving a while), so hopefully it’ll happen quickly. He's a music d00d (teacher, producer, critic, writer, etc) & I'm a web developer (think Java, not Flash). We're in our late 30's & both MO. Heavy all our lives, we met each other at 33 (go eharmony.com!). We gave each other permission to relax & eat as we wanted... and boy did we!! We both gained 100+ pounds in our 3 years of marriage... and our "fun" list of activities has shrunk b…

Hello to everyone! I have been reading the discussion boards and trying to learn all I can about how the lap-band surgery works for others and what to do/what not to do. I have learned a lot! I am waiting on insurance to approve my surgery and then I will schedule! I have appx 110 lbs to lose to get to my "ideal bodyweight." I have TONS of questions and would love to hear all the advise I can!!! My biggest struggle at this point is trying to get off Dr. Pepper's - I am truly addicted I think! Any advice?? Excited to be here!

I found this site from another web site I visit. It's nice to know that there are site just for lap-banders. I had my band placed on July 18 2005. I started at 250 and today I am 206.8 . I live in wisconsin. I work as a nurse. I have two children ages 31 and 20. also 2 grandchildren 4 and 9. I'm having some problems with my diet. the meat that I am suppose to eat sometimes won't go down I end up sick and can't eat for a while. all the junk I should not have seems to pass right through. I have to go see my doctor on monday and I don't know if I should have a fill or not. I feel if I eat right I can't get enough in and water does not keep me full inbetween meals. so things …

Hey Everyone! I've been reading this forum for a while now, the information and support that you guys offer is great! I have my first consultation tomorrow with my surgeon, so I hope everything goes well. As you can see from my ticker, I've got a whole lotta me to lose, but hey, I figure that if I can be happy at 315, then less will bill awesome!!! I'll try to keep everyone posted on my progress through the process! I'm sure, I'll have to battle the Insurance Company, but I'm up for the fight!

Hello!! My name is Jo and I am in East Tennessee. I am currently researching the Lap Band Procedure and am going to a Seminar the end of February. My whole family is very excited. I have already talked to Blue Cross and I am pretty sure that I can get it all approved!! I have been doing a lot of research on the internet and have decided that this is the best thing for me. I am 32 years old and have been heavy all my life. My current BMI is 54.9--I can't wait to get to just be Obese instead of Morbidly Obese! My Goal BMI is 26, but right now would be happy with any loss whatsoever!

Hello everyone! I am new to this group and looking forward to making some new friends.I am in the process of getting my approval for my surgery.Hopefully I will be able to get it in Feb.2006.I am excited and scared at the same time:phanvan .Guess thats normal.........Anyway I just wanted to say hello Valentine baby

I have been reading the post on this site for several months but have not posted a message. I am not banded, but would love to be. My insurance will not cover the procedure and it will take me a long time to save up the money, but I am trying to do just that. My credit is not all that great, and I may have to refinance my home to get the additional money. But I will continue to read the post until my day comes. So if there is financing for bad credit folks, please respond as this may help to move my time up.

Hey there! I don't know if anyone remembers me, I have been a bad girl and have been absent for quite awhile. My name is Katie, I'm from KY and I was 'banded' 9/21/04. So far I'm about 75 pounds down (hence the new profile pic and avatar.) I feel great but I'm at a stalemate. I have been excercising and I'm hoping that will kick things back into gear. I just wanted to say hello again!!

Hello to all!! I am just banded on Thursday. The day was a little nervous for me because I am not fired up about being put under anesthesia but all went well. I feel good except for tummy gas (I am gonna go get some gas X) and have been hungry. Today I drank a protein shake that was creamy instead of clear and that felt wonderful. My question for all of you is I need some assurance that I can have pudding etc and it will stay put. So far I have had no nausea or any complications. In fact I am off pain meds totally. Last night I slept like a baby and can hardly wait to face this day. I get to go to Wal-mart and get some protein drinks. Any other ideas of what I co…

I got banded on the 12th of December in Sydney Private Hospital by Dr. Ritchie ... So far so good. Apart from some pains in my wounds that is healing rapidly no complaints. Stayed in Hospital overnight and got discharged next morning. I am at home for the week but working on my computer everyday with out any problems. I would like to hear from other Aussies in this forum and see if we can organise to help each other. I know 4-5 people in Sydney who already had the band but I am sure there are lots more. Dr. Ritchie has done 850 operations so far. So c'mon guys lets get to know each other... Nedim Aydogdu Northern Beaches Sydney

Just wanted to say Hi. Have an appt. with WL surgeon on the 25th of Jan. I have a lot of questions, very scared and wondering with high BMI of 64 would make my recovery time worse than someone with smaller BMI. Health is very BAD and want to have a decent life!!!! I just do not know of any other way to do this except WLS. I have tried every diet known to man and just do not have enought will power to do on my own. I understand the band is a tool but it will help with wt. loss. I sure need everyones input and support. Thanks.

Hello All I am about to start my new lease of life on the 7th of feb in Lyon France. I am not nervous but very excited. I weigh 264 Ibs and 5'6". I need to lean on you all in the coming months and will try to pick your brains as much as possible so please bear with me. I live in Ireland with my hubby and 2 kids. Life is good........but will get better. I am lucky in that I don't suffer health wise YET but I want the lap band to prevent anything happening further down the road. I want to be on this earth as long as possible. Watch this space!!!!! Anna

My name is Jenn. Im 34 years young and am going to have the lapband surgery in March. I have been overweight all my life and I am definatly ready to be a healthy weight. I live in Washington and would love any advice anyone can give in order to prepare..Thanks:clap2:

Just found this site, thought i was all alone getting this done. Got banded in Cairns on october 31 2005,and have lost 23kg's in 2 months.I started at 172kg's and tipped the scales at 149kg,2 days before xmas.[i was stoked] Good to see some aussies here,nice to know i can talk with people close to home aswell as overseas.I think that will do for a start. Cheers John

Hey everybody, Im new to LBT, but been banded over three years 10/25/02. Highest weight 233, goal 147, current 143. Maintaining since 09/03. Worked as Lap-band coordinator for busiest lapband facility in the world, now represent a single surgeon. I love helping my bandbuddies reach their goals.

Hello everyone I am new to the forum. I am scheduled for a Jan 25th lap bad surgery. I am a bit nervous but I am ready for this. Any advice?

I am new to this support group and I want to get some info. on the surgery itself. I am scheduled for surgery on Tues. 1-24-06 and I am getting very excited but nervous. I am traveling over 1600 miles to have the surgery done. Luckily my sister-in-law will be traveling with me. My husband was planning on going but his father is not doing well and I think his place is here with the family. If anyone would like to share info. on the surgery and recovery please let me know.

hello Im new to this site am in the process of getting all things together with ins and the doctor may have a surgery date in March??? I am worried about erosion of the band and also how well it will work for me. I am 50yrs, wgt.186, hgt 4'10, wanting to know how fast do you really lose the weight, and what should I ask the surgon about the size of the band and any other questions that I should I ask all help is greatly appreciated

Hi:) I am from Manchester, England I am pre-op MIDband with Dr Vincent Frering in France Scheduled for surgery in March Just wanted to say hello to you all:)

Hello everyone I just had the lap-band a little over 2 week and I want to find some answer to some of my question, do you suppose to fill the band through your stomach, what are some soft food can you eat, and have any one ever felt dizzness? after having the bad.

Hi..I'm Donna from Frederick,Maryland I guess I need someone to kinda take me under there wing and show me the steps...where to start. I have Optimum Choice INC (MAMSI) I called them and they told me over the phone the lapband & GBS is EXCLUDED! Now what..........please:help: me:faint: :cry

Where do I start? I was banded on Dec 7 2005 weighed in at 392 pre op and now in at 362 at my 1st band fill this week. I am really looking forward to the road ahead and see where it takes me. Not feeling very much restriction. Though I understand that it could take a few fills to get it right. I have read many stories and I must say it's great to hear of all your success! -G:fencing:

I had Lap Band surgery on Nov. 21, 2005 with Dr. Duckett at St. Lukes Hospital in Maumee, OH. My starting weight was 357#, today Jan. 18, 8 weeks later I am at 321#. I just had my first fill (1.4) on Jan. 16. I am excited about my progress and the support from my family, friends and my church. I am looking forward to having your insite and support also.

Hi everyone-I've been lerking around for a while this is the first time I've posted. It sure is nice to see all the support from this site. Anyway I'm just waiting for the big day. I'm a little nervous but really excited.

Hi. I just wanted to introduce myself. I was banded last week. I have been enjoying this forum for a while and I decided I should make myself an official banded member. I have one question. The large incision where my port was placed is still very painful. It hurts when I walk and move. It is not red or inflamed or swollen. The nurse said that it is normal to hurt at that site. She said, "you don't even want to know what they did to you through that incision." A little scarey. Is this normal as she says? How long does the pain last. I am so hopeful that this surgery will work for me. I have appreciated all the information I have received from this site.

Hi everyone, I am Necie and i went for my 1st appt today with Dr Spivak and well...im gonna do it! I have been reading your postings for about two weeks and I am ready. The nurse said my insurance is very accomodating "UHC" and I fit the criteria for surgery. I am playing the waiting game now and hope to join You fine ladies and submit my own success story soon. You ladies will have to tell me how to setup those nifty scales that show current weight and later goals. I want to be one of the gang...lol I am a little nervous. If anyone has suggestions or warnings..all are welcome.

Hello my name is Kera and I recently had the lap band procedure done in Tijuana Mexico by dr.lopez. I had the procedure done for my heart problems and I am :phanvan having a really hard time dealling with the issue of no food. I have heard lots of success stories especially in the first 3-6 months I would love to hear from people who have had it done not just on tv or magazines. I hope that I am not the only person who wishes they did not do this especially in the begining. I keep thinking that I will be happier I have 2 boys 4 years and 2years and my loving and supportive husband they are the reason I did it to be healthier and able to help them have a fuller life. I…

Hi all, wow - there are a LOT of new people here - wonder if anyone remembers me? I haven't posted in a while and wanted to check in and say hi. I haven't caught up with all the new posts yet, but am really sorry to hear about all the eroding/band removal ordeals that some of you have gone through - Donali emailed me to tell me about Lisa, Michelle and Penni - I hope you have all recovered from your revision surgerys - and I know it's belated but I'm sorry you've all been through so much. I am now over two years banded - celebrated my two year "bandiversary" at halloween (!) and am happy enough with my progress I guess... At this stage, I actually realise what is mean…

Hello,My name is Crystal I am 30 years old and I have already had my lapband done I am from Kentucky my surgery was Sept.22.2005 I weighed in at 306lbs the day of surgery I had my surgery done at Georgetown,Ky. with Dr. Weiss as my physician he was wonderful as of today I weigh 242lbs I can't beleive how well I have done but I know it is not just me I am a christian lady and give all my glory to our father in heaven I have two children . I was taking blood pressure medicine but as of now i am no longer on anything the only problem that I seem to have with my band is constipation. If anyone has this problem also I am all open for suggestions on what am I doing wrong

I had the surgery 2 years ago in May. This is the first time I have used a forum. I am having some problems, so I wanted to see if there was anyone else out there like me.

I am new to this site, but thought it was a wonderful resource tool and support network. I was banded on December 21, 2005. As of the 11th of January I am down 25.5 pounds. 13 pounds were lost just with the 10 day liquid diet before surgery. Look forward to chatting Nicole

Hi, I'm Lisa and I just found out my surgery is scheduled for the 1st of Feb. I started getting scared all of a sudden then found this place. I must say great job with all of the info. I haven't posted a lot b/c I am still looking at all of the post and finding the answers I need. I am so excited again. Thanks!

Just joined the group yesterday. I like the post. I was banded 12-22-05 by Spiegal. So far 8lbs. Ready for more to fall off. It is coming off slower than I thought it would. Spring/Woodlands, TX area

Hi Ya'll I've done all the research, had my family help me do the research, and am totally ready to have the surgery. Now I just need to figure out who to get to do it! I attended a seminar in The Woodlands (where I live) held by a couple of Conroe doctors, but they hadn't actually done any lapbands so I quickly crossed them off my list. I plan to call Dr. Spivak's office to schedule a seminar with him. Dr. Wilson's office also. Can anyone suggest questions that I might ask when attending the seminars? By the way, I'm going to be a self pay patient. My insurance has already told me they won't cover the procedure. Thanks for any advice ya'll can offer.

Hey there everyone.....glad to see some names I recognize from spotlight....This could turn out to be another great source of banding info...hope everyone participates and thanks to alex for putting it together... Now...I am Melinda, banded 6-20-03. Ive always struggled with weight as have my mother and my sister. JennyB, who some of you know, is my sister and she was banded in November and is now 6 months pregnant. We are so happy for her because she had been trying for a while and was worrying she wouldnt be able to have kids. Thinks the weight loss may have helped. I was on the road to rny, and changed my mind a week before surgery. I love my band and cant wait …

Hi all, I'm from Michigan. I was banded in February 2005. So far I've only lost 35lbs. It's been a tough road. I'm looking forward to getting to know you all. Hopefully I will find motivation and support (and give it back, too). Stacy 219/184/130

Hello, My name is Lynn and I am getting ready to schedule Lap Band surgery. I have heard that hunger pangs are a common side effect of the procedure. If anyone out there has experienced this past the initial 4 weeks on liquids, please let me know. I am also looking for local support groups to attend in the south Seattle area, anyone out there know of any? Any advise from anyone out there is so much appreciated!

Hi Everybody, After one year I finally changed my user name. I always felt kind of funny having my full name pop up. When I initially registered I didn't know that my username would also be my screen name. Anyhow, better late than never, I finally have my username changed. Still me! Thanks Sal

Hi, all! My name is Dana, and I'm so thankful that I stumbled across this website. I'm in the final stages of preparing for the lap band surgery. I never thought I would consider weight loss surgery until I attended a WLS seminar and the surgeron gave the statistic that 98% of obese people will never lose the weight on their own, and if they do, they won't keep it off without surgery--not that it can't be done--it's just not likely. It was like a light bulb went off in my head. This obesity thing--this thorn in my side--is a disease, a disease I've bee struggling with my whole life, from my earliest memories. I have tried and tried and tried on my own, to no av…

I just wanted to take a moment and say HI to everyone. I have been going thru alot of the posts and reading today, seems like a great group and I am glad I stumbled on it. I am preparing to have surgery sometime this year. I currently have a BMI of 50.2, so you can see is definitely needed. I have been on every diet known to man, all worked, but only for a short time. I have probably lost a thousand pounds in my life, problem is what I gained back. I do believe lap-band is right for me. I have a rare form of cardiomyopathy, so any type of open surgery is out of the question according to my cardiologist. I have discussed lap-band with him and he also thinks it is …

Hi Every one I just wanted to introduce myself. I am Debbieg12 and I was banded on March 14, 2005 my starting weight was 356# as of this morning I am at 289#. My doctor is James Smith of Pueblo, Colorado.