Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I was banded 7-19-05. So far I've lost approximately 10 lbs. I got my staples removed yesterday, but I am still in soooo much pain! When will it not hurt anymore? Can anyone help?

Hi there, Just posting my intro. I am 29, soon to be banded (Sept) by Dr.Randall in MA. I work in Gynecology and am a nursing student. I spend alot of time working and alot more time working. I also like to read, hang with my dog, swim, hit the movies, sometimes go to a bar/club. I am really looking forward to getting banded. I have been heavy most of my life, although there was a 2 year period in college where I got down to a 16 and stayed there a while.

hi...my name is fee and im looking at getting the lap band surgery done. I have had a quick browse of this forum and its very interesting.Im still deciding if i should get it done....im very obese my bmi is 44.I have dieted all my life ..i lose the weight then gain it all back on again plus extra kilos on top. What do u all think i should do??? Thanks in advance!!!

Hello Everybody My name is Patty, I'm 5'7" 270# and more than ready to start my journey. I drive OTR with my DH. No children. Trying to decide on a surgeon. I've narrowed it down to Dr. Ponce(N. GA) or Dr. Bagnato(S. GA). If there are any truckers here who wouldn't mind sharing their experience, I would love to chat. How long off? Any problems getting in/out of truck or problems dealing with the bumpy roads? Patty

Hi Everyone, I could really use some input, if you'd be willing to share your thoughts. On Friday (6/24), I had my first appointment with Dr. Hoehn (in the Kansas City area). Was really looking forward to getting a surgery date maybe as early as August, when he told me he had a cancellation for (gulp) this Wednesday (6/29)! I was instantly thrown into a half ecstatic state/half panic, thinking maybe this all had gone too quickly, especially since insurance won't cover and we're self paying ($16K). My questions: --I never seem to hear anyone regret the surgery--why not? --If I'm 5'3" and 210 lbs, I obviously love to eat. Will I ever get to eat yummy food …

I was banded on 5/6/05 by Dr. Kuri, as of today I lost 26lbs. I just had my first fill on Thurs. 7/14 by Dr. Fielding in NY he added 1 cc, I have a question to anyone who could answer. I still feel that if I wanted to I would be able to eat, I lost 3 lbs since the fill. How much is a normal weight loss between a 4-6 week fill. Should I consider calling my doctor and telling him I don't have a full feeling. How long should I wait before I call the doctor. Debbie

Hi everyone, This is an amazing website and I am thrilled I found it! The before and after photos blew me away. I am having lap band surgery in Los Angeles through USC bariatric center on July 25. I am very excited and naturally nervous too. I have a question, the surgeon is asking that I lose at least 15 lbs before the surgery, five of which I am down. But I am not sure how I am going to get off the other 10 before the surgery which is coming up quickly. Does anyone have any suggestions for fast pre-surgery weight loss? It's ironic that you need to lose weight before the surgery because if I could lose it so easily I wouldn't be having the surgery int he first pl…

Hi there. My name is Desiree. I have recently completed my consult with Dr.Martin from commonwealth surgeons and currently waiting for insurance apporval. I have Anthem BC/BS VA and my policy DOES have a rider for lapband surgery, so for now i'm just twiddling my thumbs waiting for that letter. More about me. I'm 25 years old Married almost 4 years and I have a 5 year old daughter. I'm 5'1 and weigh 236lbs, My BMI is 44.6 and i have a small frame. I currently have a weightloss journal going , nothing to interesting at this point because i'm just waiting but for those who want to check it out her is the website http://www.geocities.com/lilsprite80/weightloss.html…

Just wanted to get involved in this awesome website. I am scheduled for surgery 7/21/05, & I am so excited about it! And I have to say that I am sooo glad that I found this site. Everyone is so helpful & supportive. All of the questions that have popped into my head have been answered here. Just wanted to say Thanks ahead of time. Thanks!!!!

Hello everyone, I heard about this great site from someone I just met today at the hospital while getting my clearance for surgery. I wish I had gotten her name because I would love to thank her! I will see her again though because we are scheduled to have our banding done on the same day, July 28th at University of Illinois hospital in Chicago. From what I am seeing here today, this is probably the most informative site I have ever seen on the internet. Thanks!!!!

Hi everyone, I am having my Lap Band surgery on Wednesday 20th July!!:banana I'm starting to get a little nervous, but I know that it will be worth it in order to help me get my weight loss on track. I am so excited at the prospect of being slim this time next year I will keep you all posted on how I am getting on. Loobie xxxxxxxx 250/want to get to 140lbs

well i'm getting banded on aug. 3 and i'm very nervous. At the same time i'm excited to get started. I turned 40 this year and i'm starting a new and heathier chapter in my life. I'm afraid i won't be able to stick to the liquid diet for the 3 weeks.

Hi everyone! I have been viewing the threads as a guest for a while but decided last night to join the group. It sounds like a lot of good information passes through here so I might as well get some help from others who are in the same boat as I am. I am looking into going to Dr. Huacuz but not at the Molding Clinic. If anyone has any experience with Dr. Huacuz please feel free to pass it along. Thanks!!!

New to the group. So glad I found you. I am 5'10" and weigh 270 pounds. BMI is around 40. I have never chatted online. So, forgive me if I mess up. Anyway, I live around Nashville, Tennessee and wonder if anybody has been banded at Vanderbilt. I'm looking into it. Our insurance will cover it and my husband works for that hospital. I've already seen the nutrition doc and had an ultrasound of my gall bladder. (No stones). I've also had numerous blood tests and an EKG. I couldn't get in to the seminar until the end of this month. I have an appointment with a psychologist the second week in August. I couldn't find any recent Tennessee activity under that listing. I am just gi…

Hello - My name is Cheryl and I'm from Southwest Florida. I'm scheduled to have Lap Band surgery in St. Petersburg at Palms of Pasadena Hospital on July 26, 2005. I'm 35 years old, married, and have 3 children, a daughter (10), and 2 sons (5 & 3). I'm self pay as my insurance company said that this surgery is still considered experimental and won't cover it. My support system is pretty good, but my husband will be leaving soon for Iraq - so I'll probably bug you guys a lot - hope you don't mind. I'm still freaking out - a little. Still thinking I should try diet pills just ONE more time, in CASE they might work this time....but, been down that road and I'm ready for a…

Hi all - I had my Lap Band on March 7,2005. I have visited OH for several months but just found yall. I have lost 27-30 pounds - depending on which doc scale they use. I had my third fill on Wed and I finally have restriction. I have a few questions for those that have been on this journey for a while. I started out at 370 and want to lose 200- 230 lbs. Has anyone out there done that? How long did it take? How is the excess skin situation after the weight loss? Just need some living proof that this thing works for us bigger than life individuals. Much thanks.

for surgery, that is! It's July 20! Next week! I have been posting here and there for a while, but I finally got my tests run and my finances together (self-pay sucks!), but I am so excited to finally have an actual date. I am a teacher and as summer was rushing past me, I was worried about not having any recoup time before facing the little darlings on 8/11. And by the way, isn't that just plain crazy--school starting August 11!!! Anyway, hopefully I will be feeling well and while I will not have lost the weight that I hoped to have by the start of school, I will be on my way! Now I have to pick a cute ticker and icon! Doing the happy dance, Colleen La Po…

Greetings! My name is Karin, and I'm just doing some reading up on getting banded. I'm 5' 5" and 240lbs.My BMI is like 39.43. I haven't been able to keep ANY significant weight off for long periods of time for years. I'm tired and frustrated with WW and the not even losing a pound every 2 weeks thing. UGH! This will be my 3rd trip down the WW path in 5 years. Not to mention the various Atkins and South Beach aattempts! Anyways enough about that. I'm looking forward to picking everyone's minds and hopefully getting to know y'all better! Thanks for listnening!

Hey guys im Briana and im 18. about 260 pounds and 5'5. Ive been thinking about this for awhile now and i know im ready to do this. All those amazing before and after pictures just really pushed me over the edge. I have a few questions though for people who have done it A. Anyone have a ballpark estimate on how much this costs? B. How do i tell my parents? Theyre very much so against surgery, i think theyd support it if i had diabetes...but i dont...or atleast i dont think so. Also does anyone know of any GREAT doctors in the San Diego/LA area. I know that the Dr. in TJ is good but going to Mexico is a little...i dont know...not clean?

Hello everyone, my name is Bronson. I am 25 and I live in Farmers Branch, Texas. I have been happily married for four years and we have a beautiful 2 year old daughter. My surgery date is set for July 22, 2005 with Dr. is Louis Fox at the Richardson Surgery Center in Richardson, Texas. Other than that I am very excited and very much look forward to posting my results here on LBT. My highest weight was 303 in 2003. I am 6'02" and weigh 289 now and my goal weight is 175. Everyone wish me luck...

Am meeting with Dr. Benavides on Friday here in Dallas, Texas to do the initial consultation. Any recommendations on feedback on him and his practice would be greatly appreciated! I really want to get this done and done quickly before I change my mind again. It sounds like virtually everyone is satisfied with the band if not totally in love with it And I am turning 49 this year so want to make sure I don't make it to 50 with this extra weight dragging around! After all, according to Oprah 50 is the new 30 so a new thin "30" would be great!!!!

Hi Everyone! My name is Elaine,and I live in Illinois. I had my surgery last Wednesday (June 28),and I go to get my stiches removed on Friday. I started out at 206.5lbs. today I was 199! I just found this website,and I want to hear any advice from anyone for ways to stay motivated.

Hello....I have been researching this site now for at least six months and my date is scheduled!!! I am a self-pay since BCBS FL does not cover WLS PERIOD!! I was going to have surgery in Mexico with Dr. Ortiz but then decided to have surgery done by Dr. Mark Pleatman in Michigan! His price was affordable for me and closer to home. My friend and I (seekingtheband) scheduled our surgery for July 22nd!!! We have to fly up there on the 20th and will fly home on the 28th. I had a phone consultation with him and will have my first appointment on the 20th, then go to the seminar and preop next day....then the big day, surgery on Friday the 22nd and then a few days to relax. …

Hello, everyone. I'm pretty new here ... just posted a few times. But I've been reading every day since I found this site and really enjoyed all the information and the friendly attitudes! I'm going to Monterrey on Thursday to be banded Friday by Dr. Sanchez. The People Magazine article didn't put me off ... I've done lots of research and feel confident about my decision. Just a little about me ... I'm 52, live in Oklahoma City, married. I have three kids, all boys (men, I guess), ages 24, 26 and 28. My ex and I adopted them as a sibling group when they were 2, 4 and 6. Then I have two step-kids, ages 17 and 21. I've been married almost seven years to a really great …

Can anyone tell me about their own experience with the amount of time between the first informational meeting and your actual surgery (barring any unforseen holdups). How long did it take for all of you?

Ok, I will try this again. I have done this twice, hit submit and received a "blank" done page. Where did they go? You'll will probably find them in the middle of a thread where they don't belong.....sorry. I have been using this site for research for several months. It is undoubtedly the best site I can find. I finally got brave last weekend and registered and even posted. I have really enjoyed looking at you'lls pictures and being able to put a face with a name. So, I got really brave and posted a picture too. I will probably loose my courage this weekend and take it down. With the exception of my husband I haven't told anyone and don't plan on it. At le…

Bonjour / Hello. I was banded June 21st 2005 by Dr. Christou in Montreal...He is awesome. And not to mention his wonderful support staff...who do most of the managing, support and details. Anyway, here I am June 26th and have already dropped 11.5lbs...I still can't believe how easy it's been. I feel great, I am full and life will be better. I can't weight (LOL) to give up my pain medication for my knees and lower back... MERCI buckets (beaucoup). I trully enjoy being on this site...it's helpfull, enjoyable and there are alot of pleasant people....GREAT !

Hi everyone, I am still reasearching as much as possible but I am pretty convinced that the band is for me. 34 yrs old married with 2 girls 7 and 3 5'6 270lbs BMI 43.6 YIKES! I have been on EVERY diet possible and I am now at my last resort! I want so desperatly to see my girls grow up- I want to be able to ride bikes with them and to just play tag with them in the back yard. My weight has ruled my whole life, I dont want to live this way anymore!! ANYWAYS, I called my insurance this morning and they said that they do pay for some bandings but there are conditions. I have to visit my Dr and then they have to contact the insurance co. for these conditions-they wo…

Hi you all...I have been lurking here for a few weeks, but finally have my surgery date set for July 11th. I registered here and want to come here for support. I really want to make this work for me, and hope to learn a lot from you all. You all are doing so great, I hope to be a 'loser' soon! :banana Michelle 237/237/140

Hi, my name is Fran and I will be getting my band on July 4 at the Molding Clinic.My son had surgery last Dec. 21 and is down 70 lbs. Dr. Grossbard did his. I decided to go to Mexico because it is $10,000 less that what he paid. I will be traveling alone and am a bit concerned about the trip home. I will be flying back to Tampa and changing planes in Phoenix. My flight is about 7 hrs. Has anyone had any problems with flying that soon after surgery? Thanks for the help!

Hi! Im Elaine From PA..Im new here and happy to have found this site! Im set for a pre-op appt. in NYC July 14th and should have an august surgery date. Im excited but increasingly nervous, as Ive never had any type of surgery. Reading all of these posts does help a lot. Thanks everyone.......E

Hi Everyone, I am new here, and I want to say good going to everyone that reaches out for support. I haven't even had my first appointment to get the process started, but I have been researching the lap band for months. I go in for my initial appt. on July 13. I have a 43 BMI and have some of the usual health problems that go along with it. I have been up and down so many times, and have lost hundreds of pounds like most of us. I used to be a police officer and even went through the academy at 207 lbs. I got a fitness award at the end, and that goes to show you that you can be fit and fat at the same time. However, I would like to be fit and toned. I have gai…

Hi, This is a cool site I just hope I can figure it out! I want to have the band. I met with the Dr. today. It is exciting to here I'm a good candidate,but sad also. I think I'm ready. I just look at every meal now as one of my last! I look forward to this web site and all the info on it. Have a great night. Dianne

Hi! My name is Diane, from Southeast Texas. I have been reading this site for months. I just love the support that I have seen here. I was banded April 18, 2005. I have lost 35 lbs. so far. I have one fill. I am still in the learning mode. I just get on-line and learn answers to all my questions every day. I want to say thanks for your support at this site.

My name is Jim, i am from chicago. i am going to have a surgery in a few months. my BMI is 52.

Howdy Ya'll - I've just discovered this site and I am so encouraged by all I see. Everyone here is soooo supportive. Currently I weigh in at 220! When I graduated high school in '72, I weighed 128. Yikes! Now that I am almost 51, I think 140 or so is very realistic and I would be a size 10. I am SERIOUSLY considering being banded and am doing my research now. Definitely would not consider a by-pass, although my Dr. prefers by-pass. Way too risky in my book. I'd rather be fat than wake up dead! Know what I mean!?!?! And thank God my husband does not expect me to look like a Barbie Doll! I hate Barbie anyway, she's got everything! HA HA. I was viewing the before/after pics …

I have been reading posts for a while and thought I should register. I was banded June 16th by Dr. Montgomery at Northwest Weight Loss Surgery in Kirkland. I am hoping to decrease my dependance on insulin and BP meds. as well as my weight. I have so enjoyed the personalities of this group and an sure I will enjoy participating.

Hi Everyone, I just wanted to introduce myself. I've been hanging around watching for a while, and I figure it's time to get in on the action. I was banded March 30th by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez in Monterrey, MX. I've had one fill thus far, 4cc, and am going in today for a second fill. I have the large Vanguard band that holds something like 9cc's, I think. I live in Seattle and am having my follow-up care with Dr. Fox at the Surgical Weight Loss Center in Tacoma. My progress so far has been a bit disappointing to me, as I lost 20 lbs in the first 2-3 weeks post op, and have been struggling to lose ever since. I do recognize that a 26lb weight loss in 3 months is good, but …

Hi. I'm 26 yrs old. I am 5'7 and weigh 243 pounds. I want to get a band, and I am going to an informational session next week. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield so I'm not even going to try to get insurance to pay for it. I'm scared of going into surgery but I am going to be brave and do it.

Hello, I was told I needed to come out and introduce myself. I am a 31 year old mother of 1 (2 yr old boy) and very loving and supporting husband. We live in Concord, (right outside of Charlotte, NC) I started over a year and half ago looking into the band. I knew gastric was not for me and I wanted and needed help. So a friend told me about the lap band. From then I started looking into it with my husband by my side. He has been a wonderful support along with my mom. I have been reading this board for a while now and was encourged even more to get out and look at it from my Dr's office. this site has been very helpful and informative. Thanks to who ever started it. …

Hello All, My name is Wendy and I was just banded on Tuesday, June 21, 2005. I have three children 21, 16, and 11. I am also one year away from my teaching degree with certification to teach grades k-8. About the band... I am really missing 'REAL' food since I need to intake only Clear liquids. Any ideas what could possibly help? Also, does anybody else feel like there is a baby head stuck up in their ribs like me? Is it swelling inside? What could possibly feel like that? It feels really weird. :nervous Also, don't have any idea how anybody could go to work the next day - I am two days post-op and can hardly bend over and pick stuff up from the floor. I seem to have …

Hi All My Name Is Demetria I Am 38 Years Old, 5"10 And 343 Lbs (i Think Cant Even Remember Post Op). I Have Two Daughters Ages 20 And 16 And I Was Banded On Tuesday June 21, 2005. I Am Sore And Anxious. I Wanted To Know From Anyone Out There That Has Been Banded How Are You Doing. How Long Will I Feel Like Someone Is Continuously Squeezing My Insides. I Know That I Am Only To Drink Fluids But Even With Only Fluids I Dont Know If I Am Full Or If I Am Sore. It Feels As Though Someone Or Something Is Sitting On My Insides. I Guess This Is Normal Though. Also How Have You Managed Your New Restricted Way Of Eating. Are You Satisfied With The Results And Are You Satis…

Hi, I have posted a few questions since discovering this wonderful forum a couple of weeks ago but I haven’t yet introduced myself. My name is Kristen, I live in Melbourne, Australia and I will be undergoing the lap band procedure on Monday morning. It has been great to read so much here and see that my fears and trepidations as well as my questions are not unique. My journey has been a 20 year one and fraught with the usual array of tick-the-box issues associated with a screwed up relationship with food/eating and self image. Suffice to say that the diet rollercoaster has brought me here and I am determined to get off it… or at least onto the kiddie size ride. …

I am new here Just got approved July 14th in New Orleans La I have a deer bowhuntign trip pre paid on Aug 15 in Colorado I have to go Any suggestion for a quick recovery? Thanks Tink in LA

Hi all I had a Midband fitted in March this year in France though I live in England. I have lost about 32lbs so far, though I think I need another fill. I am loving being banded (not the Pbing) and cant wait to lose even more weight. It will be good to get some extra support and be able to share my experiences with others. Hunnie

Hello, My name for the board is prettyone. I never thought in a million years that I would actually feel that way about myself. I have been banded for 10 months now. I have gone from a size 1X to a size 8 petite. I am only about 10 pounds from my final goal!!! I am very happy with my experience. And until just last night, felt really great about my experience with my doctor. Dr. Lopez in Mexico. I have read a few horror stories on here, and I do not want to downplay the sadness and heartache these few ladies have gone through, but I am happy with my surgery and Dr. Lopez. The only difficulty I have is that my port has turned a bit sideways, so I will have D…

Hi All- I have been reading posts for months, but only today did I finally decide to join. I enjoyed "watching from the sidelines", but I finally decided I wanted to play too!! I have learned so much from eveyone on this site, thank you!! I have been researching the lap band for about 6-9 months now. I had to wait for open enrollment at my office to change insurance companies. Pacificare (PPO) wouldn't even pay a Dr.'s visit that his nurse submitted saying "obesity consultation". I now have Kaiser as of May 1st and my new doctor has reffered me for a Bariatric Group/Health Education appointment (they only have 8 appointments a month). I was lucky to get a June 2…

Hey Ya'll, You Guessed It I'm From Texas! Just Wanted To Introduce Myself. I Have Been Reading Posts For About A Month. I Am 32, Married To A Wonderful Man This Time, Lol.... I Have 2 Boys And 1 Girl. They Keep Me Busy! I Work As A Nurse So My Schedule Is Hectic. I Am Waitng On The Insurance Company To Say Git-r-done!!! I Still Have To Go For A Physical. Did My Bloodwork Already. Just Playing The Waiting Game. Anyway, I Hope To Meet Some People From The Ft. Worth Area. Maybe Make Some New Friends. Ya'll Know How Intimidating It Can Be To Try To Make New Friends Being What They Call "morbidly Obese". Hope To Talk To Some Of Ya'll Soon.. I WILL BE HAVING MY LAP BAND WITH DR…

Nice to meet all of you...I am very, very new to the whole thing...just found out yesterday that I should consider lap band surgery. You know, it's always nice to be told you are too fat...this time, by an orthopedic dr. who is treating tendonitis in my ankle. He asked if I had ever considered it. I said "No, not until now." :phanvan He gave me a referral for a surgeon, so I called my "real" dr. and asked her about it...she seconded the motion and volunteered to write a letter. The ortho will write a letter, too. Things are going pretty fast, don't you think? Just kidddng... I guess it is time to face the music...I'm not just chubby! I have been reading a little ab…

I have enjoyed reading all the post, been informed, encouraged and laughed until I almost wet my pants. My surgery is schedule for June 28 2005. If all post op test are satisfactory. EKG, chest xray,etc. also have to attend a post op class this Friday. I live in the Maryland, 48yrs young and soon to be fabulous at 50. Wife of very handsome man, mother of 4 and grandmother of 6 beautiful girls. 5'0 200lbs sleep apnea, joint problems etc..BMI 39 Dr.Sighn in Baltimore is doing my banding. LOVE TO ALL Debbie