Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hey there! I have been "lurking" for a few days. GREAT SITE for support and encouragement! Also seems like a great place to educate yourself on "THE BAND". I am still in the decision stage. Actually I have decided that I definately want to do this but am waiting on my "ANTI-CHARGE" hubby to come around and say we can borrow some money for this. Our insurance will not pay and "if we can't pay cash we don't need it!" I guess I would be considered a "lightweight" since I have about 75 pounds to lose. I am 5'1" and weigh about 192. I am 42 years old with three children and a husband. (He really is great...he just likes to pay cash). Last fall I began having knee problems and…

hello everyone, just got banded on thursday the 1st. i haven't been hungry at all . The most i get down is water. Any suggestions on whats good and healthy to eat and good exercise.

I received the approval letter from my insurance company yesterday. I called to schedule my surgery, which will be on Sept. 14 with Dr. Spiegel in Houston. I'm nervous and excited at the same time. Here's to a new me!!

Hi, my name is Carmen and I live in Cancun Mexico, I am 34 years old 33 BMI, getting my band this month; ...So this days I spend all my free time reading an rereading each and every post !, This forum its great and all of you are great!!!, thank you for sharing your experiences, pictures and opinions with newbies like me.

Does anyone know of any wls books I can buy. I need to know how much weight is too much weight to lose in 1 month.

I just wanted to drop in and say hello. I'm still in the "hunt" stage of the lap band. I have a consult with my 2nd doctor tomorrow and am feeling discouraged about the quality I'm seeing but I still hold out hope. I'm tired of being fat and I'm willing to do what it takes to make a change. I have to have a sense of humor about this all because there are moments in my lap band search that just get crazy. I may have some weird questions to post to you guys since I trust your answers. I mean, you've been there! Anyway, here's to becoming a big fat loser!

Hi my name is Teresa. Me and my husband are scheduled for surgery Sept 1st in Chicago about 4 1/2 hours from where we live. I am nervous and anxious any suggestions and experiances would be appreciated

I was Banded or as I say (I had my stomach handcuffed) on July 25, 2005 in Maumee, Ohio at St. Lukes Hospital with Dr. Duckett and Dr. Oweiss. I think I am doing ok - I'm down 33 lbs. from my start of my 1200 calorie diet on July 5, 2005. I have had some problem with reflux - we are not even sure - cause it's not the typical reflux symptoms....I have been praying this will straighten out and stop as I never had these type of problems pre-band. I just wanted to be able to walk (I have bad arthritis in my right knee and I was starting to walk like my grandma used to). I felt so vulnerable - like I couldn't run away from anything if I needed to.... I am hoping…

I am so happy I finally located a place were I can talk to people who have also been banded. My hubby is great, but not much help with all of this. Just glad to be here.

Hey all im a newbie here and wanted to say hi. My name is Robin i'm from Bronx NY and im 16 years old. Yeah i can hear the gasps, i know im pretty young but my weight is pretty out of control. Right now my weight is about 330 (i'm 5'6) w/ a BMI of about 52. So i started to consider the band because i feel like it's alot less invasive then anything else out there. I've been overweight since maybe about 7. Ive been on so many diets... weight watchers, LA weightloss, Atkins diet..others i cant think of at the moments. Most i would loose maybe 20lbs and it would all come back. I just would get so frustrated w/ it at times, it's made it hard for me. So When i discovered the b…

Hi am also a new comer, and will be banded in a week. I need all the support i can get. Right now I am just learning a little how to get around out her. Please guide me through and anything that may be of help.

Hello everyone! I got banded on August 16 and just found this great site! My lap band took place at a day surgery center without any complications. My pain has been managed with a few doses of liquid tylenol - the last dose was yesterday morning. I am on a full liquid diet for 2 weeks (6 mini meals each day) and I find that 3/4 to 1 cup quantity is sufficient for me at this time. Three of the mini meals are high Protein shakes (Myocel or Muscle Milk). I will be able to add mashed potatoes, oatmeal, grits, malt0 meal, and cottage cheese during weeks 3 and 4. Then, pureed as tolerated. Hubby and I went for a walk this morning - 1/2 mile - was hoping to do a mile but, …

I am "just looking" and have been researching this for quite some time. I finally talked to my husband aout it and attended a seminar in my hometown just yesterday. I am looking for people who have used doctors in the Little Rock, AR, Texarkana, TX, and Dallas areas. My husband works for Wal-Mart who won't pay for weight loss surgeries so I will have to finance this somehow (my husband is an "anti-charge and pay cash for everything" kind of guy). Anybody from my area who also had to "bargin hunt"?

Hello everyone. I just joined last night. I've not had surgery yet but had my first consult with my family doctor last week and he has referring me to a surgeon. I'm hoping to be able to get some information here as to what I can expect and also find some support amongst people who've been through what I will experience. I've looked for other places online to find support and only found a few places that have very sporadic activity. I was grateful to find this forum last night. I'm 34, a mother of 4 kids, engaged to a wonderful man, live in Canada, and have two hectic and stressful jobs. I'm very active but have some health and physical problems from my weight. Despit…

HI,whereto begin. I'm 45 years old, wife, mother, and grandmother have a BMI of between 38 and 40 depending on the site and the day. have been support person the two important people in my life who both had Bypass in the last 2 years. My husband who really wished to have lap banding but the insurance 18 months ago wouldn't pay for, and a close friend and co-worker who doesn't think banding is the way to go. I am very happy banding is an option now and have an appt for sept 13 to see the same doc my husband had.(first appt was canceled) but the waiting is killing me and i'm not sure that the insurance company will cover me Thanks for taking the time to look Tess L

Hello to all, I have been a lurker for quite awhile and love the bonds that are formed here on this board. I just wanted to come out of lurk mode and say hello. A bit about me,my name is Beth, and I am a mom of 4 kids ranging on age from 14-5 3 grils and one 7 yo boy. I have been battling my weight since puberty (just a few years ago ) I have done the yoyo thing since 7th grade. I am a manicurist/esthetician in Las Vegas NV. I was going to do GB 2 years ago but felt it was too risky. I wanted to do the lap-band at that time but my insurance would not cover. So now ins. does cover and I am ready. I have done everything that I need to, and will be seeing my sur…

I was just wanting to say Howdy....

Hi, I'm considering the LapBand and just trying to get up the courage to make the first call to the doctor about it. I found 2 docs in my area (Buffalo, NY) but don't know much about them other than that they are board certified in Bariatric Surgery. If I decide to do it and get insurance approval I would ideally like to have it done just after the new year. I'm a grad student and would like to try and do it during a school break. I have over 100 lbs to lose and have only lost weight really successfully once. I lost about 55 lbs and felt so great. Unfortunately when I left my job and moved to go back to school, I lost all sense of routine and motivation. In the last 2 …

Hello to all! I've just joined this site, and my surgery is set for Sept. 29th ! :banana I've been on another site, but I'm elated to find one that is geared to banders. Checked out the before and after page (and I may even post a pic or two). Congrats to everyone that's on the losing side, I can't wait to join you! T

Hey there!! I'm also new here. My hubby is the one who getting banded. But since I have done all the research for him (because language barrier). I almost feel like I'm the one getting it. We both feel so nervous, but very exited at the same time. He is getting banded 9/25/05 with Dr. Ortiz in Cancun. Have any of you had it done with Dr. Ortiz in Cancun? or even better, any one schedualed to have it done on this date with him in Cancun too?

Well, I guess I should have dropped by this spot to introduce myself when I first joined this site about a week or two ago, but I was not really paying attention. Well, I live in San Diego, Ca. and I am hoping to have surgery ASAP (before the hollidays). I've had visits with nutritionists, therapists, and I've attended a couple of support group meetings as well as an orientation. They don't really do much for me, because most of the people have had the RNY done, so the discussion is mainly about THAT surgery. But I have to attend at least 2 support group meetings before I can even be considered for weightloss surgery. I have been a bit hesitant about getting the band…

Just jumping in to introduce myself. I've been a lurker for a while but couldn't resist and posted a question in another thread. Thought I'd better come here and introduce myself. Hi! Patti

I Got Banded By Dr. Wade Barker (he Was Great) On Fri. 08-19-05. Im Doing Great Thanks To All For Yor Help.

Hello fellow Bandsters! My name is Debbie and I'm a 45 yr old Am. woman living in Norway. I'm married to a Norwegian and we have 2 teenage sons. I'm originally from San Diego, but have resided in Oslo since 1982. Back home every year. I was banded 11.29.04 in Copenhagen by the Swedish surgeon, Dr. Lundegårdh. I have the Swedish Adjustable Band. At present, after 6 fills, I'm up to 3.75cc in a 10cc band. I've lost 84 lbs in less than 9 months. My starting weight was 244 lbs and my present weight is 160 lbs. I have 16 lbs to the goal my doctor set for me, but 26 lbs to my ultimate goal. I attended the Seattle Splash in Feb. Did anyone else attend? I am very interested …

I've decided to take the plunge. I've got a BMI of 45 and the usual laundry list of co-morbidities. I need that negative reinforcement to keep me eating the way I know I should be! So I start step 1 this weekend, which is the required seminar for the clinic I chose. I've been through the seminar at another clinic before, so I wish I didn't have to attend this, but I'll jump through the hoops they want. So for those of you who have had the surgery or have a date assigned: how long between the time you went in for initial consult & your surgery date? I won't be held up by insurance since I'm paying out of pocket (my insurance flat out refuses to cover this). I'…

Hey, My name is Suzii, and I am 25 years old, and I have been overweight for as long as I can remember. I am getting banded on 14-09-05, and can't wait, I hope to make friends and share my experiences with everyone on here, I start my Optifast on wednesday and then the count down begins. Suzii

Well, here I am. After lurking around and greedily devouring all the info and messages on this forum I am going to throw my line out... I have seriously considered and researched WLS for three years now and have finally come to the place where I feel confident that this is for me. I am going for info session on Tuesday, and my consult with surgeon on Wednesday, at the Cleveland Clinic in Weston, FL. I am really looking forward to taking these these first important steps. I am so ready to be a bandster:banana !

I never did an introduction, I just found out about it actually. But I'm so excited, I'm leaving for Mexico tomorrow at 6:00 am. Well actually, I'm flying from Ct. to San Diego at 6:00 am. Not too happy about the hour.... I will have to get up at 3:30 am. But I probably won't be able to sleep anyhow. I'm too nervous. Anyway, my name is Vanessa and I'll (hopefully) be banded by Dr.Ortiz on Friday 8/19. That's the way it's scheduled at least. I work in the healthcare field and I have 2 children, ages 2 and 3. I really need to be healthy for them and hope this band will help me maintain. Thanks for reading!:cheeky

Hi everyone, I am a 56 year old retired teacher. I have a bmi of 40 and need to lose 90 - 100 pounds. I have not been overweight my entire life--just the past 15 years. My sister and I are taking the lap band journey together. We have a diet class August 18th. They told us that we will probably be scheduled for surgery the week of August 29th. When I had a stress test, the doctor said that I am not heavy enough for surgery. The x-ray technician who did my upper GI said the same thing. I guess my 5'5" height keeps me from looking so fat (242 pounds). People saying things like that makes me nervous about the surgery. I have had friends tell me not to have the …

Hi! I just recently started my "permanent" weight loss journey. Here's some info on me: I've done the psych evaluation and met with the dietitian. I'm scheduled for my first surgery class next week. I see Dr. Nagle at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago for my second visit on 8/10/05. All of my information should be sent to the insurance company right after. I'm presently 248 lbs. I want to get to 150ish. Employed Full-Time Full-Time College Student (3.8 GPA Yipee!) Wonderful husband and three year old. Great parents who have helped out soooo much!

Hello everyone! I wanted to introduce myself. I just joined the site today. I got my approval on Monday and my surgery is scheduled for Sept. 1st. I am using Dr. Stephen Hamn in Plano. I would love to have some feed back on him as a dr! Thanks!

Hi ! I am new to this forum I have been posting over at Obesityhelp.com but I like the way this forum is set up. So i've been here viewing for a couple of days. A little about me... 33 yrs 5ft 200lbs looking to loose 80lbs. I have my consult with Dr. Horgan here in Chicago on 8/5 from there I will do labs/psych eval, etc. Im going to be here everyday viewing and posting. Feel free to email me if we have similar stories or if you have info/tips for me.

Hi everybody, new poster in Dallas, Texas. I am a 40 year old mother of two. An 8 year old going on 18 year old girl and a 2 year old boy who rules the house with one iron fist and sucks the thumb of the other. :-) Today I weigh 270 and am looking for approval for my band surgery very soon. I have a wonderful supportive husband. I even think our Boxer, Casey is supporting me. The 3 cats and two turtles could care less...as long as I keep coming with the food. This is a wonderful forum and I am going to be one of the losers on here pretty soon!

Hi Everyone! My name is Renee and I live in Houston. I am scheduled for surgery on 8/31/05! Can't wait for the big day!! I have 2 kids 19 & 12. My hubby passed away 2 years ago. I currently weigh close to 280 and hoping to lose 120 pounds. I lost 70 lbs on Atkins about 3 1/2 years ago, but after hubby passed I gained it all back plus. I have lost 30 lbs in the last year but gained 10 pounds back in the last few months. Can't wait for this new start!

Hello, everyone. I looked into lap-band several months ago, and then thought I would not get insurance approval so I dropped the subject. Come to find out that I did apparently get approval, so now I am trying to learn about what life will really be like with this thing, what to expect, etc. This looks like a great board! I'm 40, married, and reside in the Dallas area. Dr. Benavides is the surgeon, although I have never met him. After I turned 30, I started to gain weight. Then, I moved to another state with someone with whom I really shouldn't have been with. In all that misery, I gained a lot of weight - around 245 pounds on 5'1". Once I got out of that relation…

Hi guys, I am getting my band on monday and flying from NW Australia (the middle of nowhere) to Perth (Capital of Western Australia) to get it. My surgeon is really nice, but I am worried about flying home post-op as he says I will only be in hospital for 24hrs. The way the system works here is that I can get free flights there and back but only if I leave immediately after being discharged from hospital - so I can't even pay to stay in a hotel for a couple of days or I lose my flight. My concern is being in pain, feeling sick, wind pain and generally embarrassing myself on the way home. Has anyone else had to fly after surgery? How did you cope? Any advice would be mos…

Just stopping in to introduce myself. I was banded in November of 04 and have lost 63 pounds since then. Still have a ways to go but Lord knows I didn't put it on in a year so I won't take it off in a year either. Slow and steady wins the race......I'd like to have instant gratification but I know that is not possible, nor is it healthy. My Dr and I have worked together on this for awhile and I am happy with my progress and so is he. I have 2 grown children and 9 grandchildren....2 sets of twins in the mix! I am truly blessed with family and they were my inspiration for doing this. I work part time and even that can be a challenge for me on somedays. I am so happy I fo…

Hey! My name is Carrie, I am 25 and was banded in Monterrey, Mexico on July 14th. I have only lost about 6 lbs. so far, and there is quite a ways to go (about 90lbs)! I live in Maryland and am finishing my Master's at UMD (go terps!). I feel I am able to eat pretty well now, soft foods and such....I'd love to hear some other experiences with weight loss and eating with the band in the first weeks, because I am too hungry for just liquids.....

I just joined this site yesterday. I spent 5 huors on her just reading posts!!!! I am wanting to have the surgery done before the end of the year. I will be self pay. I would like to have it done here in Missouri. If anyone here has had it done in this state, any info would be appreciated from you. I have been heavy my whole adult life. I have put on 50 punds the last year and I am weighing at 325 right now. I HAVE got to do something before this weight kills me. I have NO enery to do anything. We have adopted 3 young children (ages 7,7 & 8) and I am not a young mama at all ..... I ma 43. I want to be able to do fun things w/ my kids but I can't. I also have 3…

Hi Everyone! I Stumbled On To This Website In Hopes To Be As Educated About My Decision To Under Lap Band As Possible. I Have Just Begun My Journey. I Am So Apprehensive. I Have Had The Psychological Eval, ( Passed!..lol..) I Am Awaiting Approval From Bc/bs Ppo. When I Called They Said That My Policy Has The Rider And So I Am Praying That I Am Approved. Can Anyone Tell Me How Long This Whole Process Is Before You Can Have The Surgery? Thanks To All Who Have Written Post Op, That Helps Me Know What To Expect Too. Cathy

HI my name is Anita. I just found this board and have been reading for the past couple of days, you guys and gals are great. I hope to become one of your family members and give support and get support. Everyone have a great day!!!!!

Hi, I am new to this and thought I should share as well. I have read many stories and am glad they are there. I am going to keep this short cause i have to go to work today. I am 285 lbs. 27 years old july 18 and have decided to have the lap band surgery done in monerrey mexico. by dr rumbaut. I would love to hear anyones commints and would gladly appreiciate them. surgery date is august 9, 2005. i am also a self-pay and could not find any docs to do it for a cheap as mexico. I do have a doc here near me..whoo hooo..that will do the fills from mexico with no problems and they even told me what i need to make sure i have when i leave there. kissimmee, florida

Hi everyone, I'm 'new' even though I've been a member since Feb. I guess. I haven't been an active member until now. I'm 21 years old and I've been banded for 6.5 months. At my last appointment, I'd lost about 50 pounds, but I think I'm closer to 60 now. I'm very happy with my decision to have this surgery and wouldn't take it back for anything. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. Okay, that's enough out of me. For now, anyway.

:banana I am so sorry!! I could have sworn that I introduced myself right after I was banded. I searched all of my posts because I wanted to see what I had been thinking at the time (I have an awful memory) & I couldn't find my introduction! So here it goes. My name is Jessica. I was banded on 1/26/05 by Dr. Rex Luttrell in Little Rock, Arkansas. I was one of his first LB patients. The surgery went well with the exception of my port tilting. My doc repaired it in March. I have had 2 fills since the repair & I am currently at 2ccs. So far I have lost 25 lbs. I have been plateaued for about a month & I am calling Monday to set up for another fill. I am a nurse …

:banana :banana :banana :banana :banana My name is Sonja, I was banded on May 4, 2005. I had a great experience with my doc and love him. I had my surgery here in ND, and I am doing well. I have had 2 fills, the last one is pretty good so far. I have lost about 36 pounds so far, (Including my pre-surgery liquid fast.) Hey, it is pounds lost, so I am including those! Anyway, I am so happy to have gotten the band. I have a wonderfully supportive hubby and great daughter. I am at peace with my decision to change my life and am looking forward to the journey and getting to know all of you!

I am 33 y/o am 5' 2" and weigh 303. I am proud of that weight, because I have lost 24lbs since September 2003. (I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, Sleep Apnea and Morbid Obesity.) I have also battled High Blood Pressure since late high school. I am scheduled for surgery July 29th at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell, SD. Dr. Reynolds will be performing the procedure. (Dr. Haley his supervisor will also be assisting if needed.) I am very excited, but nervous, like on my wedding day! Thanks for all the helpful information and sharing. I am so glad I found this forum!

Hi there, my name is Carrie! I am being banded on Aug 5th! I live in Colorado. My Dr. is James Smith. I was not aware I was supposed to start here, so some of you have already read some of my reponses to the great threads that you all have started. I am really glad I found this web sit. I have to tell you all I am very nervous, scared, excited. I think I read on someones reply it is like standing in line for a roller coaster for the first time, all those feelings at the same time. I am really surprised how each doctor is different on there policies for you to follow! I have learned that it is trial and error really, just what ever works for you. Well to be honest here …

Hello Everyone! I just wanted to introduce myself to the forum. I hope to meet others in California as well as around the country. I am interested in getting the lapband, whether I have it done in the United States or Mexico determines on my new job and it's benefits!:banana

I wanted to say hello and say this forum is great. It really helped me make up my mind. I went to the doctor yesterday 7/26/05. He has cleared me for the Lap-Band surgery. I go to a seminar on Wednesday 8/3/05. I am a 40 year old male. 360 lbs. I live in Florida. I am going to go to Dr. Fusco here in Melbourne Florida. I have read almost all of the threads. All of them are amazing. Keep up the great jobs you are all doing....Thank you

Hi everyone, I will be having surgery on 8-8-05 in Mexico. This is my 40th birthday present to my self. If anyone has any advice please let me know.