Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi there My name is Gaynor, I live in the UK and was banded on 29th Jan 2005. To date I have lost 47pounds, not a great loss but i'm happy with it .I am due to have my 2nd fill tomorrow and am hoping for a little more restriction. There has been some confusion over my gender (not mentioning any names!!) so just for the record I am female, I gather Gaynor is not a name you're familiar with in the states, it is actually a Welsh name, anyhow this website has been incredibly informative and the members have been really supportive, I have some wonderful new friends. Thanks guys and keep on keeping on. Gaynor

Hi everyone....it occurred to me that I haven't introduced myself either. I just posted on the NC forum looking for support groups . I'm 34, and have been married for 17 years...yep half my life LOL. I have two girls, ages 13 and 5. I'm a stay at home mom for now, but my 5 year old starts kindergarten this fall, not sure what I will do with myself then. I enjoy scrapbooking, exercising and crafty stuff. I have been overweight it seems forever. Went on my first diet at the age of 12 and have been on some sort of diet for 22 years. I've lost weight in the past...but its only been a tempory thing...and the weight always comes back, usually inviting more lbs to ad…

I just wanted to introduce myself, my name is Jamie and I have been looking into the possibility of lap band or gastric bypass fora bit now. I am trying to gather as much info as possible regarding each procedure to make the right decision. Any help either way would be great!!! Thanks All! JAmie

I wanted to say hi and introduce myself. My name is Debra and I am a Pre-Op Mom of three(12, 8, and 1.5), living in Missouri. I have UHC (thank goodness) and my first individual appointment With Dr. Stephen Malley is 28 June. I am really excited. I was going to go RNY because I did even know this procedure existed. Thankfully, the surgeon I saw for RNY informed me of this procedure and said he actually preferred it but was not performing it yet. I have already made my mind up to be banded and my family is all very supportive and excited. I can't wait to be able to keep up with my kids(well atleast try).

Hi, Im Krystal, Im 22 yr old female from saint Louis, Missouri. I am 380 lbs and 5'4. Seems like on everyones before surgery weight i am still the biggest one here. I do not have the lap-band yet, but soon, i am waiting on the surgery center to call me to schedule the appointment so it shall be soon! My story: Ive always been heavy throughout my entire life but it was never really serious until i was about 18 yrs old. My mother left me when i was 2yrs old and i know of her and have seen her but dont KNOW her, if you know what i mean. So i was raised by my father who was an on the go dad who did a lot of fast food and eating at classy restaurants. I was never tought to …

Hi everyone. I just found this site today. I have been on the OH site for months and wondered where everyone with over one year post op on the band have been hanging out ... now I know. It was good to read many of the threads. Well my name is Kari and I am from NE Indiana. I was banded on 5/20 in Goshen, Indiana by Dr. Charles Stone. Things are going good at this point. I am down almost 25 pounds ... very excited about that! I had the surger because I have a five year old son that I can't keep up with and that I have missed out on doing things with ... you know, roller coasters, etc ... Anyway, things are a changing! I'm glad to have foudn this site! I loo…

just wanted to say hi . Have been lurking for a long time Ireally enjoy the board and have gained loads of useful imformation .Was banded this week but have a question did anyone have problems with cold fluids even a popsicle hurts and small sips of cold fluids .After a few frustrating days have found only warm liquids will go down with out pain or nausea:ermm am I doing something wrong I wasn't expecting not to tolerated cold fluids,if anyone has any advise I would be greatful have a great evening thanks

Hello everyone! I'm so glad i found this web site. I have been reseaching the Lab-band for about 4 yrs. I'm finally going to have it done. Right now I'm going through all the test. I am going to Texas Tech Health Science Center in Lubbock Texas. Dr Eldo Frezza will be my doctor.

I just wanted to introduce my self, my name is Allen and I was banded 4 weeks ago. I've been reading this sight before the surgery and now after and I wanted to say what a group of woderful people you all are. I was scared as hell before the surgery but after reading some gerat things here I felt a lot more comfortable. Well got to go back to work now. Banded 05/18/2005 361/05/18/2005 319/06/17/2005

Hi everyone, I'm excited, nervous and completely fed up with being overweight. I started the process last week with a surgical consultation and will be going for an endoscopy next week. I'm glad to see I'm not alone. Debby

Hi Everyone! I'm Pansy, from the great state of Maryland, and I am at the seriously-considering-having-surgery stage of my journey to weight loss and better health. My research into bariatric surgery has led me to the lap-band procedure, and also to this forum! I am almost 44 and have been fat (around 250 these days) pretty much my whole life. After giving every weight-loss program in the world a try, I decided to give up and accept myself at my current weight and forget about losing. That worked for a little while, until I started experiencing those nasty obesity-related comorbidities.... diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure.... I don't feel healthy anymor…

I have been reading and reading and reading this website for the last month and a half. I have posted several times and gotten great advice so I figured it is time I introduced myself. My name is Lindsay. I live in Austin, Texas. I am 28 and have been struggling with a weight issue my entire life. I am thrilled to have finally found a tool to really help. After a ton of research, heart ache and fear, I finally took the leap to get banded in Mexico. I do not weigh enough to be covered in the states. I was banded on Tuesday by Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana, Mexico. Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez were wonderful. I have a wonderful job, a good education, lots of friends…

Hi All - or should I be a typical ocker Aussie and say "Gday"? I stumbled across this forum a few days ago after doing some research. I had lapband surgery at the end of February last year. My starting weight was 122kg which I think translates to 268.4 pounds. 12 months later I have lost 27kg (59.4 pounds) - a nice slow and steady weight loss. I have been very interested to read about other lapbander's stories. There is no support group here in the state that I live in (Tasmania - the little triangle island at the bottom of mainland Australia) so it has been great to come to this forum. Last week I had another fill - or down here we tend to call them "adjustment…

I posted an intro before my surgery, but being that it has been so long since I posted, I thought I have better do this again! My name is Sam, I am a 24 year old wife and mother from Queensland, Austraila. My pre surgery highest weight was 131kg (288 pounds), I was 125kg (275 pounds) after my pre op diet, on the day of surgery. I was Banded on the 22nd of Feb this year, and have lost 27kg (59.5 pounds) to date. I do have another 20kg (44 pounds) to go, but I hope that I can shed that before my Band Day next year. I have 3.4ml in a 5ml band (I *think* I have found my sweet spot). I look forward to getting to know you all!

Your posts are full of wonderful stories and good advice. Thank you. I was banded 5/24/05. I'm probably one of those people who didn't do enough research. I had been doing Atkins for 4 months, lost 21 lbs. One birthday dinner was enough to get me on a carb binge. I was so depressed I would have opted for the band no matter what. I didn't want to find any negative stories and just focused on the "I love my band" stories. My Atkins loss made me borderline qualified. Between my initial phone call and appointment I gained 9 lbs--not so borderline now. Since we have a cruise planned mid July, I was in a huge rush to get the band. Because of that and beca…

I have actually been researching this sight since a friend of mine had me go with her to a lap band seminar in our home town. Ever since then this seems to be all I can think about. I had my consultation on 6/9 and found that I do qualify and am looking forward to my even greater life that I will have once I have the surgery and improve my health. I am 30 years old and at my highest weight I weighed in at 252. I am only 5'5. I spent two years traveling with my job and severly packed on the pounds. Once I came home, the "baggage stayed packed". I was single at the time and when I came home in December of '03, the Lord really began to do a work in my life and thro…

Hello everyone My name is Stephani. I am married to a wonderful and supportive man for 8 years. Age: 37 Height: 5'5" Weight: 245 BMI 40.3 Like many of you hear my story is much the same. I started out as a cubby child, then grew into an overweight teenager and then into MO adult. My mother (gawd bless her) since the time I can remember put me on one diet or another thought out my growing years. If a new diet was printed in a magazine, a book, or heard of from a neighbor down the street I was put on it. I remember as a child thinking that if I see one more boiled egg and piece of dry toast for Breakfast I was going to scream. Needless to say diets have not…

Hi, I am new here as well. I was banded on 5-11-05 by Dr Richard Carter in Arlington, TX. I am doing great only lost 10 pounds, but I am having my first fill on July 6.

Hi All! I've been lurking here for a couple weeks, but I didn't see this section until today. I live about 90 miles north of NYC. I'm being banded 6/22 by Dr Ortiz, and I can't wait. I'm going alone, so I am a LITTLE nervous! Barbara Dr Ortiz - 6/22/05

Hi everyone, I was banded with the mid band in April 2002 and have had just a terrible experience. I did lose 50 pounds by December of that year but then had so much trouble with reflux that I had the Fluid removed. Since then I've played around with different fill levels but have managed to overcome my band almost entirely (although it does act up on me now and then still!). I've recently moved to Portland, Oregon and am now ready to deal with the band and get it working again! If anyone has suggestions about fill doctors and/or local support groups I'd be grateful for the information! Many thanks, Sarah

Hi everyone!Im new to this site and would like to introduce myself!MY name is Heather (dUH!LOL). I had my surgery April 29 2005 and have already lost over 30 lbs! I am so excited living my "new" life-I am recently engaged to my wonderful boyfriend of 5 1/2 years, and have already gone down a size in clothes! I am already so much more confident then i have been in years.This surgery has already been a miracle for me. I have had a few problems-my port is still painful but is getting better and i had a fill last week which made me sicknd I couldnt eat anthing but liquids...but,considering what Ive read that have happened to other people--I guess its not to bad! I am very exc…

Hi, I am planning on being banded, but right now I am still looking for the right Dr. As most, I am a bit nervous about going to Mexico, but self-pay and exerience of Dr's would point me that direction. I would LOVE any help, info, experiences, etc. that any of you would like to share. I live in Missouri...anyone have any experiences here? I am looking forward to joining the "group" and hope that I will soon be someone who can give my thoughts from a "done it" perspective!!! Thanks for all the help!

Hello all, my name is Cherie. I have posted questions here before, but that is as far as I've ever went until now. I am a 41 year old mother of 3 beautiful daughters. They are the reason I am going to have the lap-band surgery, well them and myself. But it wasn't until recently that I realized all the things I cannot do or am self-conconsious about doing. Such as riding rides in amusement parks (weight restrictions), water parks, even chairs creeking when I sit in them, but most important to me, I have no lap for my youngest to sit on. So I took the first step and I am seeing the doctor for my initial consultation on June 30th. I am soooo excited. Anyway I would really ap…

Hi everyone, my name is Sara I'm living in Bergen Co. NJ. I have my surgery day set for June 15th from Dr. Gritsus at The Valley Hospital in Paramus. I'm looking forward to joining the group. I've been reading post for a few days and have found a lot of great info.

Hi Everyone! I just found this wonderful website! I've been searching all over Yahoo, but I really like what I've seen so far here. I am getting my lapband on Tuesday in Monterrey, Mexico with Dr. Roberto Rumbaut. I'm a little nervous and a little scared, but I'm going for it! I will leave on Monday morning with my hubby. Has anyone had the experience with Dr. Rumbaut? I'm a self-pay lady; my insurance would rather pay for my doctors, cardiologist, endocrinologist, orthopedic surgeon and a bag-full of pills and procedures than pay for my "obesity-related" surgery. Go figure! I think I'm prepared. I've read so much literature on this type of procedure that a…

Hi! I'm new to this whole experience. It all started when my mom sent me an offensive email saying she thought I needed to get the gastric bypass surgery. As hurt as I was, I looked into it, and the statistics scared me so much, I just quit looking into it and started watching more infomercials looking for the miracle diet. Not so successful, so again, I started looking at the surgery and came across the Lap Band procedure. I'm 21, and live in Victoria, Texas. I'm SERIOUSLY considering having this surgery. I've tossed around the idea of going to Mexico to have it done becuase they seem so experienced, but then the trouble of finding a doctor to do the fills here se…

Hi all! I was banded in March of '05. I lost 7 lbs. pre-op and 6 lbs. the week after surgery. In the last two and a half months I have only lost an additional 12 lbs. I know that sounds like a lot to some people but if I went on Atkins I would lose that in three weeks. I just feel frustrated because I spent so much money on this surgery and I am not seeing the results I thought I would. Am I being greedy? I've had two fills and I am scheduled for my third in June. I feel like I could still eat a lot and pretty much anything I want, except rice. Please let me know if anyone else feels this way and will it get better after the third fill?

I've been lurking around here for a couple of months but I thought since I'm having my surgery in two weeks that I should officially introduce myself.... I live in Washington State. I've been married for almost eight years. WE don't have any children as I have a horrible case of PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Sydrome). I decided a couple of years ago that I was tired of being fat and didn't want to live the rest of my life like this. I have a friend that had gastric bypass and while i was researching it I found the lap band and I knew that was the option for me. I'm self pay and am going to Mexico. I'm a little nervous but I want really want this. anyway that's a…

I'm so thrilled to be a part of this great group! I've been lurking for awhile, and have learned so much. What did people do before the internet?? Anyone else have a July surgery date? I'm in the Springfield Mass area -

Hi Everyone... I am new to these message boards... just a quickie about me... I live on Eastern Long Island.. I am married and have 3 great kids... I was banded by Dr. Rubenstein on April 6, 2005... had my first fill last week... still have no restriction... have another appt. for May 31st for my 2nd fill... I am praying for restriction!! I am looking forward to meeting you all!! TTFN

My name is Stacey, and i'm from BC, Canada. I just got banded 2 days ago. Everything was smooth sailing except for my nerves and a bit of breathing trouble afterwards, but everything else went perfect. Just wanted to say hi!

I am hoping that it won't be long before I can say I have the Band. I was originally trying to get RNY, but because my liver is not happy, I am going for the band instead. The surgeries both carry the same risks, but the post-op problems can be life threatening. The reason a lot of surgeons give for not doing the surgery is the surgical risk, but to me, you can take extra precautions. The risks are known and can be controlled. Post op problems are not as easy to predict and if you have a problem, that's it. Nothing can be done. This surgery is reversible, does not cause malabsorption, and so is much safer in the long run. Since I don't want to exchange one problem for …

Hi, My name is Ira and I am in Bergen County, NJ. I am hoping for a date in July for my band. The pre-requisite tests are just about complete, and "last meal syndrome" is winding down also. I welcome direct emails. Thanks to everyone for the excellent info I have already gotten by reading the older postings! Dr. Ballantyne / Hackensack University Medical Center QualCare

Hi Everyone, My surgery date is June 8th and my insurance company has given the green light. I have my pre admission testing next tuesday and then surgery the following Wed. I am extremely nervous now that it is finalized. I am getting cold cold feet...so need some support and advice. Thanks, Maria

Hello Everyone, I have posted on here before but I am not one to post to often. I am at the end of the road with my pre op information. They faxed over my paper work yesterday and I should have either an approval or denial within the week. I hope it is approved. I am sure it will be, but I will keep my prays and fingers crossed! I am looking to have the actual surgery in June. Around the third week. My husband and I will be celebrating our 10 year anniversary in Vegas from the 13th until the 20th. I am so excited and scared at the same time. I have never flown before. I am really doing it up before my surgery. And I cant wait to do this. The Lap band seems…

Hey there! I am new to this board, but not to the world of the Lap Band procedure. I began researching this WLS back in 2001. I went for the first visit with the surgeon, got freaked out that I could actually have surgery and lose weight, and then lost my health insurance so I could not follow through with the surgery. I am recently married, and am getting my Masters Degree in a week and a half. I am going to start teaching English in the fall. I realized that I want a better life for myself. I have severe asthma, and walking long distances has become a chore, to sometimes impossible on my bad days. I need this surgery to live a normal life. I just want to be …

hi all had my visit with doctor today getting banded on the 9th may cant wait sandra........

Hi everyone, I was quite frequent here last year after getting my band, then for a variety of reasons haven't been back till now. THe fact of the matter is I really need support and I can't seem to get it from anywhere else like here! I am down about 30 kg in almost a year now, but I am stuck, in a rut no less. I have been extremely stressed and fell for the old relatives trying to sabotage the life plan thing. Haven't really move the scale in the past 3 months, though feel that I have enough restriction, just not eating healthily and certainly not exercising like I should. I want inspiration and support and I know that you all can give it too me, I am going …

Hi, I am a 41 year old female, and I am trying to decide on having this surgery. My mother had gastric bypass surgery. I seen the recovery time involved, which I do not have that amount of time available. I work full time, my girls are very active, so down time is a big factor. I am 5'4 and weigh 232 lbs., I know that I have to do something, dieting has never worked, walking has not helped so now I am talking to my doctor about other options. I would really like some input from others that have been through the lap-band surgery. I am leaning that direction verses the gastric bypass, but am concerned about never eating certain foods again. The thought of throwing up often,…

HI all!! I love to eat, and food loves me. I want to be thin, yet I don't know if I can give up eating for the rest of my life.... any thoughts??

Just wanted to say, No, Im not being banded. I started looking on here for my sister Nikkee31, before she had her surgery. So I linked her here, and she's been here ever since. For some reason I find myself browsing on here( I dont know why)! LOL But its all good though. You guys may remember me from keeping you all updated when she was away w/ her banding. However I enjoy reading new things, so I can help her stay up on what's new, etc. Jus wanted to say hi and I support all you guys on your journey of weight loss. p.s. I noticed some people asked her about her avitar's and siggy. Hit me up mskaramel2002@yahoo.com for a request.

I found this forum and check it frequently to support my wife with her band. She means the world to me and I wanted to find out more information for her. I do whatever I can to find things of interest to her and go to meetings with her also. I love what the band has done for her and to her. I hope that all of you fine people get what you want from your bands as well. Thank you for giving me a way to support her.

Hello, my name is Bernie and I am in Australia. I had my lap band op on April 6 2005. I am feeling a little upset at the moment about having this done. I think maybe I had unrealistic expectations of what the outcome would be after having the operation. I started at 110.5kgs and am now about 104kgs. I haven't lost any weight in the past three weeks at all. I have had my first fill but haven't noticed any difference in the amount that I can eat at all. I'm able to eat just as much as I did before I had the operation. My doctor told my that I would lose 1kg per week and would get me down to a certain weight with no problems at all. What has happened???? I'm not l…

Hi my daughter and I are going to get the lap band on 05/30/05, and I am excited and nervous all at the same time... I was just wondering if anyone regret that they didn't get any of the other gastric bypass operation. I choose lap band for many reasons, however as I get closer to the date, my mind is all over the place. I love to read all the research, journals, and posting,........but it is taking me in different directions. just like to hear how others. Thanks Denise L>:nervous

My surgery is scheduled for next Tuesday 5/17 in Pontiac MI by Dr. Pleatman. Any presurgery hints would be welcome. I was wondering how long it will be before I can Golf and Fish again? Hope its short. Looking forward to reading more of your posts soon. My starting point is 340 but I'm fairly active and in good health. Ron (wavetimer) Wisconsin

I had my first consult with the nurse/surgeon today - everything went well. I was told that I was a good candidate for either RNY or the lap band procedure . My wife (she was at the appoinment) is now really in favor of the lap-band due to it being less invasive and reversable. I am not sure what to think now - I really had my mind made up about the RNY before this appoinment and am now second guessing - I spent some time over at Obesity Help. com and there seems to be quite a few posts about people having problems getting the band filled correctly....... I also understand the many complications that are associated with RNY as well. The kicker is that I asked the s…

My insurance denied my claim about 2 weeks ago, and we are going through appeals and I was just wanting to know if anyone else went through the same thing, and how did they win?:Bunny

I've just recently started posting here, but I've been banded for almost 5 months. Starting weight: 288 lbs. Last Thursday's weight: 217. After surgery, I had to do 6 weeks of full liquids. My surgeon normally requires 4 weeks, but I had a fatty liver (as discovered in surgery). I was lucky and had good restriction with just the band after surgery. I didn't need a fill until about 3.5 months out and by then I was down about 63ish pounds. I got a fill about 5 weeks ago - no restriction. Got another fill last week -- up to 2 CCs -- this is good restriction again. I have a crush on my doctor's fellow (you know, his student surgeon or whatever). I have a blog s…

Hi, I'm new here. I am in the process of getting banded...waiting on insurance approval. My psy eval is next week. I am glad to be here! Blessings, Penney pre-band, waiting on insurance approval

Hello everyone this is Nikkee's sister. She wanted me to post a question about GERD. So I don't know how to word this, so bare with me. What do you all mostly do to rid GERD, or to help it. What meds do you all take, or anything that you do to relieve yourself. If that makes sense to you guys.