Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi; I am schedules for Lapband surgery on Jan.26th and can hardly wait. I see this as the end to all my weight loss faliures and look forward to getting my old body back.

:rofl: Hello, just wanted to say hi to everybody here. I'm trying to get banded and think I'm about halfway done with my appointments. It's awesome to have a site with as much first hand info as you all can give us. THANK YOU, all of you! I'm envious to you who have accomplished so much and just hope I will do as good as you did. Keep on going - we all out there need you all..... Again - Thanks Carola

Hi; I am schedules for Lapband Surgery on Jan. 26th and can hardy wait. I see this as an end to all my weight loss failiures and look forward to getting my old body back. My weight had always been a constant struggle and over the last 6 years I have been loosing the battle and gaining weight each year. I desperately need this to be a success so I can get back my confidence and like what I see in the mirror!

Hello everyone! I have been reading some of the posts and looking at the pictures. I sure wish I would have known about this site before surgery! I was banded on 12/5/05 in Houston by Dr. Felix Spiegel.

Hi, I live in Hawaii and I had adjustible lap band surgery on 12/7/04. My pre-op weight was 242#, 232# at time of surgery. My doctor was Brandt K Lapschies and I was banded at Kapiolani Hospital in Honolulu. I had a very smooth procedure with no complications. My only problems were that I got sick on the Tylenol with Codeine which I was fed on my way out of the hospital, and constipation due to Bariatric Advantage Vitamins. I had great restriction from the beginning. I had my first (and only) fill in July, 7 months out, and it was only .8 cc. I was down to 165#, a 77# loss. I still have restriction, but I'm at a plateau and not losing weight. Because of this I…

Hello Guys Im new aboard!!!I didnt realize this forum was here.Ive been alot on obesity help.com.Anyway Im just beginning the long road I have my first semniar(sp)On Jan 23.Ive decided on Anthony Terracina from Newport News Va. if any of his patients are on here I would love to here from you!!!!!

I used to be, and still am, a very large man. Large as in fat.... REALLY fat! Be a guest on "Oprah" fat... Doesn't fly anywhere fat... makes all-you-can-eat buffets put out the "Closed" sign fat. I used to weigh 570 pounds. Yup.... 570. That, my friends, is fat. F-A-T. So I decided, after hearing yet another Doctor tell me I was going to die if I didn't lose weight (He was number 3,893 to say that) to go and get a weight-loss operation. That was back in November of 2002, two months after I got married to Angela. The reason that I listened to that doctor, and not the 3,892 that preceeded him, was that I developed diabetes in 2002. Diabetes is bad news, It can kill yo…

I am trying to get healthy and to be a good role model for my little girl. I have attended one support group meeting at Lawrence hospital - it was very good. The people who have already had syrgery were very supportive and healthy and happy. I would love the support that this kind of forum promises. Okay. so that's it then.

First-Somebody respond if I'm doing this right. First timer!!!!! I guess this would be my intro. I researching getting ready to make the lapband a reality.

Hi everyone, I am new to this group. I had my lap band done this month 4 years ago. I have lost 110 pounds and have maintained my loss for almost 2 years. I am here to help anyone with their journey as well as learn from others new skills to stay on track. Monymo

hi this is my first time in here. im nervous and scared because i have a consultation on monday to see if i can have sugery for the band. what if im not accepted? then what?

Hey there everyone, I have been on here before but did not continue because My insurance company did not cover the procedure.. Well, my husband switched jobs & it is Most Certainly covered. I have my 1st appointment w/ the nutritionist on the 23rd of January, Is this how everyone started ?? What happens from that point ?? IS the procedure more painful the child birth or is it a walk in the park next to that ... Excited/Motivated & Scared..

I've been lurking on this site for a couple of months now and have found it to be one of the most informative that I've found on the net. I've had my first consultation with my surgeon and I'm scheduled to meet with the nutritionist on Jan. 16. My PCP is on board with my plans and was pleased to hear that I'm considering the lap band. I still have to schedule my psych appointment and then I guess all that will be left is waiting on the insurance company. Audra another lap band hopeful in the DFW area

Hi everyone. I'm new to the forum and have found all of your comments very helpful and supportive. I'm tentatively scheduled to have surgery in April after ONE YEAR:cry of monthly visits to my primary care doctor for weight-ins and general monitoring. My insurance company -- Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO -- requires this before approving lap-banding. Obviously somebody there thinks that if people have to go to so much trouble and wait so long they'll just drop out. I'm curious about everyone's experience with the actual surgery. Was it painful? How long was the actual recuperation? Any hints on how to prepare? Glad you guys are all out there. I look forward to hearing f…

Hi My Name Is Judy I Am 40yrs Old .i Am 5 Foot And Weight 152 Lbs. I Was Banded In September 05 And I Have Lost 44lbs 15 Before Surg. My Goal Weight Is 110. Or Until I Think I Look Good Enough, Hahaha, My Dr. Was Dr. Jawad In Ocala Florida. My Heath Ins Didn't Pay For It So I Had To Borrow The Money.of Whitch I Am Suffering To Pay Off Within 2 Yrs. I Am Having A Hard Time With Dieting. I Know I Made The Right Move , Because I Can Lose Weight But Can't Keep It Off, I Guess I Am Just Weak . I Need Help With My Diet, Because I Could Do Much Better. I Wan't To Change My Eatting Habits. Well I Am Sorry I Guess You Probley Did Want To Hear All That.

Hi, my name is Holly, and I am scheduled for surgery February 13, 2006 with Dr. Steward in Topeka. I am very excited and scared at the same time. I have been reading your posts for about a week and have gotten lots of great info., but I need more. If you can answer any of my questions, I would REALLY appreciate it;-) My surgery is on Monday. I have parent teacher conferences on Thursday. Basically, I will be sitting and talking from 9am to 7 pm. Will this work? Do you think I can do this? I will then be off from Friday - Sunday. Next, I have to go to inservice two weeks after surgery out of town. My best friend is going and knows about the procedure, the other…

:cry I'm going to have the surgery done, just starting out and really scared. Any words of advise?

Hi all! First time here-hope this is the right way to introduce myself. I was banded on December 23rd, and am absolutely excited beyond words! Have learned so much before surgery by reading this message board-lots of great people! Look forward to sharing this adventure together!

Hey everyone, I've started the trek towards a better & more healthy me. I'm going with Dr. Kwon in Port Jervis NY, and right now I just started all my pre-op testing, and trying to lose 17 Pounds before I can schedule surgery. I look forward to all the help I can get/and give along the way with this venture. But I just basically just wanted to say Hi and introduce myself

Hello all. I too am a newbie! I was banded on 12-1-05 and i have lost 15 pounds. I live in Grand Blanc, Michigan and had my surgery at the Barix Clinic in Ypsilanti, Michigan. My surgeon was Dr. Jon Schram and he and everyone at the clinic were and are wonderful. I go for my first fill on January 10. I am married and have 2 boys ages 17 and 8. I have 3 cats. I am a social worker and manage two Alzheimer's Units at an assisted living community in Flint. I am very glad to have found this site and feel like everyone here is well aware of what we are all going through. Thank you all for the words of wisdom I have already read and I look forward to many more.

I am a long time reader, 1st time writer. I was banded on 9/12/05 in SLC Utah by Dr. Hansen. I have lost a total of 43 lbs so far and have about 107 more to go. I am 29 yrs old and have been overweight all of my life and morbidly obese for the last 8-10 years. This site has helped me get through a lot of ups and downs and has answered a lot of questions. It's nice to have a place to talk to others who are going through the same things.

Hi everyone! Im excited. First couple of days were rough but Im feeling alot better now. I too was one of those who went to Mexico.

Hi - I am self-pay and getting banded in Mexico on 2/6/06 and currently am soaking up all of the info I can pre-op so that I will not have any surprises. I have a low BMI (36) and I am 59 years old. I am looking forward to the journey, and I hope to give and take inspiration as the new me emerges.

Hello everyone! My name is Kelli and I have been lurking around here for a couple of months. I am currently undergoing the preoperative testing for the surgery, such as, blood work, x-rays, etc. We just found out our insurance covers it 100% so I'm pleased about that. I'm pretty apprehensive, though, having surgery seems like such a huge deal! I currently weigh 247 and my height is 5 feet 3 inches so I definitely qualify! We live out in northern California and my surgeon is Dr. John Feng. I do not have a surgery date, but I wanted to join your group because y'all seem so nice and helpful! Pleased to meet everyone! Kelli

Hi everyone My name is Nilou and I live in San Ramon, Ca. I am interested to do Lap Band surgery and I am still learning about it. I am sure alot of your stories and advises are going to be so useful for me and insprational. I am 34, married with 2 kids. I am 221 pounds and about 5' 3''. I want to be 115. I am still researching for a good doctor around here and also I am not sure if I am qualified for the surgery. Any feedback is very appreciate it. Thanks Nilou

Hi, I am Kelly from Knoxville, TN and am new here. I wondered if there are any out there in this general area that can help me. I am new in my research and am finding I may not be a good candidate. This is VERY disappointing to me. I am 42., in general good health (this may be bad :-) and am 5'4" and 212 lbs. This puts my BMI at about 37 or so. I have been told many doctors won't consider me for surgery since I am under he 40 BMI and hte only other "problem" I have is chronic lower back pain which is made much worse by my weight. I actually have trouble walking, using the restroom, etc. from the back pain. I have been told losing at least 50-70 pounds is the best…

Hey all! I have been lurking for a few days now, and wanted to introduce myself to the community. My name is Amy, I will be turning 29 later this month. I am scheduled to have the Lap-Band surgery on April 28, 2006 by Dr. Sanchez in Monterrey, Mexico. I am a mother to two lovely and active children, daughter Emily is 4 and son Anderson is 3. We just settled in Tampa, FL after making a major move from the west coast due to stress in hubbie's job. Now that we are settled he is forcing me to focus on myself. Yes, I am one of those people that puts everyone first. Why do you think I am still fat? LOL So my darling husband, light of my life, has proclaimed it to be …

I'm a newbie here. I was banded on 11/18/2005 by Dr. Sanchez in Monterrey, MX. I've lost 25 lbs thus far. I go for my first fill on 1/13/2005. I can't wait. Y'all have helped to encourage me & inform me as I continue on this journey. Thanks so much!

Initially I was denied for the lap band procedure because I did not meet the criteria according to Aetna requirements, however, Dr. Seger spoke with the review committee at Aetna and they approved it on 27 Dec. The doctor's office is just waiting on the "approval letter" from Aetna for the final scheduling of my procedure. I called Aetna yesterday and was told that they had approved me for surgery 25 January as an outpatient with 1 overnight stay if necessary. I'm not sure if that's really the date we will do it, but hey, I'm ready...it will be my birthday present to myself.

Hello all! Ok...I know this is pretty graphic for my first post, but I have a question. I am 6 days post-op and I just started having diarrhea today. Other than that I feel pretty good! Some gas pain mid abdomen, but that's about it. Thanks for any input!

I had my surgery done on Nov 16th 05 with Dr Ewing of Hackensack NJ. I had my first fill on Dec 28th & have lost 29 lbs so far. I am trying to stick to 4oz a meal but lately it feels like I can eat 1lb of food. Does anyone else feel like this?

Hi, I am another newbie. I was banded on Monday, December 26, 2005 in Houston, Texas by Dr. Robert Marvin. I have surrived the first week of liquids and tomorrow I go to Houston for my first week checkup. I live in Schulenburg and will have to drive about 100 miles to get to my doctor's office. (In case you are interested, Schulenburg is half-way between Houston and San Antonio.) I decided I wanted to have the lap band last May. My insurance okayed the surgery the end of October and I spend November and December going to different doctors and getting blood work done. I am very interested in learning from all of your experiences. I so want to make this work for me. I t…

Hello everyone!! I am from Oklahoma and have been researching the Lap Band. I am very excited about it and would like to hear more from the people who have had it done. My cousin just had it done today in Mexico by Dr Rambaut. They did their research and decided on him but still do not know who is going to do her fill. Going back to Mexico from Oklahoma can eventually get very expensive and we don't know who could do the fills here. I would like to know all information anyone is willing to give to me. Thanks MKG

Hi just wanted to say new here and look forward to seeing results from others...I am on my 4th week and today wasnt good for me,, BUT better days ahead...lost so far 23 1/2 lbs..started at 299 lbs:( ,,,but looking forward to my goal which is 155....woohooo.. ,,,if anyone has any ideas on protein dishes,,please pass along tips,,,,,,,,much luck & health to all...georgia

Hi all. I am getting banded in Mexico on January 12 and I am not scared. That is making me nervous. I have faith that this is what I am suppose to be doing ...

This is who I am researching so please give me any info you have!!! Thanks so much MKG

i have just learned that it isnt so much the doctors that require the Psych eval .....it is my insurance. So any tips on how to pass the eval for coverage......... things to say, things not to say? And has anyone had to do the nutrition consult?

Not banded yet. Still working on it. Trying to get more info on it to make sure this is the right way to go. Everyone here sounds so positive about their decision. Congratulations to you all. If anyone reads this I would truly like to know before I have the surgery if you wish that you would have taken another route--and if so, which one? I guess I really have the heebie-jeebies.

Hello! My name is Denika Menis, and I live in Hiddenite, North Carolina. I am 32 years old, and I was banded on July 26, 2005. I have lost around 50 pounds, give or take a few. I am so happy to have found this wonderful place! Denika

Hello- I am new here-- just banded 12/28/05. I have been reading your posts for the past 3 months though. Hungry all the time and HATE this full liquid phase- but from some of your posts it looks like I am not alone. Kelly

hi all i live in sydney and was banded on dec 8, 2005. not sure how im travelling at this stage - all of the information that i read on the surgery prior to the operation said i would be banded from the outset and would be dealing with liquid diets, soft food, the whole bit. thus far i have felt nothing other than some sense of being satisfied after quite a small meal - but it is more than i was led to believe would be an acceptable portion after the banding. plus it seems i can eat whatever i like - although i am being quite discerning. im thinking the band has not been tightened to any extent yet and i have not lost any weight at all. unfortunately my doctors sur…

Hello to the Aussies on this site...I have been surfing a bit today trying to find you. No offence to my US sisters and brothers but I would love to find some Aussies in my neck of the woods to compare notes on (esp on food and talking in kilos...I have to keep converting to pounds). I had my band in Sept 04 and have lost about 30kgs give or take, over half way there I think). Am up to the point where things have slowed down and I am looking for a bit of inspiration re food, recipes, motivation etc (seeing everyone's before and after pics has certainly been inspiring). Anyway I am finding this site quite helpful though...I think the USA is quite a bit ahead of us in …

Hello everyone out there----i am a new member, and reside in North Atlanta Georgia. I am at the beginnig of my journey, any advice?

Hi, I'm new to this site and wanted to post my story. During all the time I did research on the lap band procedure not once did I come across what has happened to me. I wanted to share it with others to let others be aware of other complications that might arise from the lap band or any other surgery. 1st off...my insurance denied me for rny surgery after 6 months of jumping through their hoops. I was so gung ho and ready for the surgery that I started checking into going to Mexico to have the lap band surgery done. We took out a loan, went down and I had the lap band surgery done April 7th, 2004. Within 1 week I had excrusiating pain in my chest and arm. I had a ekg don…

Hi All, First of all.. THANK YOU for all your posts on this board. I have been reading for about a month now while I've been going through all of my testing. It's been really informative and has helped answer many, many questions I had. I feel like I already know many of you! Thank you again! I am Kim from Keller, TX - Username Kim_8 - get it? Kim-Ate? Ok, so it wasn't that funny! I am 37 years old, happily married with 2 teenage girls. The 2 girls rival my weight battle for my life's biggest challenges! My company has an exclusion on this surgery on our insurance - so I'm a self-pay - ouch! I think it will be worth it though - I'd sure rather have this than a new car…

Hello All. I was banded on Dec 9th by Dr Pedro Kuri in Mexico. I am doing well except I have a hard time not comparing myself to others and how well they are doing. I know that weight lost during this time of healing is just a bonus and I am grateful for every pound that I have lost but I still find myself feeling jealous when I read about someone else losing faster. I just turned 39 on December 20th and this band was a gift to myself so that I don't turn 40 as a morbidly obese person. I live in South Carolina, am married and have two dogs. I have a blog that I am keeping in regards to my lapband surgery http://livinglavidalapband.blogspot.com/ which I…

Hi everyone! I am a newbie to this site. How excited I was to find it. I haven't had surgery yet but hope to in the near future. I am 37, married and have two boys ages 5 and 9. I have been trying to lose weight for over five years now and have had little to no success. My husband had hernia surgery this week and his found out that his surgeon does bariactic surgery. After looking at the pamphlet he brougnt home, I started thinking that this seemed like something I would like to do. I had looked up the procedure in the past on the internet but didnt' know anyone around here that did the surgery. I have an appointment to talk to the surgeon on January 11th so I will…

Hello everyone, I have not got banded yet. I am just now trying to make a consultation appointment. I wanted to find a good support group and learn as much as i could. I weight 285. 5 ft 9 in. BMI 54%. I have not always been large. My weight when i finished high school was 155. I have been as low as 135 and 285 is my highest. My weight gain began when i started dating my husband. I weighed 165 when we met, 9 months later on our wedding day i weighed 185. Soon after our wedding, i was diagnosed with PMDD. (post menstrual dysfunction disorder) caused by taking Depoprovera shots which sent me into early menopause. I gained 50lbs. in 1 month:cry . i have continued to gain …

Hello Everyone! I am a new member. I am 350 lbs and need to lose 200 lbs. My insurance will not cover the surgery and I have had to take out a loan with Capital One. I started with Dr. Felix Spiegel, MD, F.A.C.S. Went to his seminar and had my first appointment with him. I am sure he is a fine surgeon, but his office staff is incompetent. I was told so many different things that I got to a point where I said enough is enough, and I found a different surgeon. I am using Dr. Matthew St. Laurent, M.D and the difference is indiscribable. He spent around 30 minutes with me and explained and answered all my questions. I feel very comfortable with him. Dr. Felix Spiegel has…

banded September 2005 (40th birthday present for me!) and doing well...... hoping to make contact with other aussie bandsters for suport and advice................ cheers