Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi: I was banded on 3/28 by Dr Roth in White Plains NY. So far, all seems on target, but I'm wondering how many of you were able to keep on losing after the initial "pre first fill " period without gaining most of it back. TonyG

I'm still having a lot of trouble keeping anything down. My new diet, so far, is consisting of lots of water, tea, juice, pedialite and a little lactaid milk. I'm being closely monitored by my doctor to make sure I'm not getting dehydrated. Most of what goes down still comes right back out. I sure am glad my mom convinced me to take that trusty bucket from the hospital. My surgery wasn't an easy one by any means. My liver had become so enlarged and fatty from being obese that it took my doctor 1 1/2 hours to complete the surgery. He was very happy and relieved that he did not have to opt for the "open method" during the procedure (as was I). He told me that because of t…

Tomorrow's My Day. My Surgery Is Scheduled For 7am At The Omega Hospital In Metairie, La. I Am Very Excited And Also A Little Nervous. I Guess My Biggest Concern Is If The First Couple Of Days Of The liquid Phase Is The Hardest To Endure. Thanks For Listening And I Will Talk Back With You All Soon After I Am Banded. Dlogan26 Banded 3/21/05

My pre-op diet consists of ONLY yogourt and water!! UGH!! Is this the usual??? Any help out there???

I have been looking at Doctors in Ga and I have been feeling really overwhelmed. How do you find the good ones and more important how do you weed out the bad ones. Has anyone heard of the Golden Isles Center for Obesity surgery in Brunswick, Ga. I think the doctors names are Peter Henderson and Harold Kent. They have a educational meeting next week that I am going to go check out. Any ideas on what to look for, questions to make sure to ask or things that I should really watch out for.

hi all boy am i nervous and scared. i am going to mexico an thursday and banded on friday. any last minute advise.i had to do the liquid protein diet before my surgery i was hoping they would let me have one last meal before the morning, i cant believe im going to do this. the liquid protein has helped me get the right mindset for my new begining. does anyone have the fear of failing like i did in so many other diets? do you still have that fear after? well i got to get organized for the big day chris

I got banded on April 1. The pain isn't horrible, but I cannot keep anything down. I've tried keeping a few things down, but nothing wants to stay. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has had this problem. What can I do? I can't even keep water down.

This, to me, is my slow but continuous journey towards my success. I have a surgery date of April 28/05. I'm nervous and anxious all at the same time. My husband is in my corner but my parents are horrified. Needless to say, they no nothing of my surgery date. Only the fact that I "was" considering this path. I'm Canadian and have no insurance. I'm also not sure as to how to use this site, so please be patient with me. Thanks for listening.

I am getting ready for my first surgical consultation. A bit apprehensive and quite anxious. Just looking for advice on anything that you think will help. Im open to all suggestions. Also looking for a shoulder cause I'm really scared. I know that this has to be done because I have tried everything else.:Bunny I am located in the Portland Oregon/ Vancouver Washington area...After researching it out ....I have turned to Legacy Institute in NW Portland...with Dr Emma Patterson..I am looking forward to all the suggestions and little tidbits from the ones who walked this road and from the others that are still walking it before me..

Hello Everyone, My name is Angie and I am new to this forum. I am looking to have the lap-band done as soon as I can. I am 220 pounds with a BMI of 41. I am going to Dr. Bauman in Concord NC. The paper work is the long and drawn out process. I hope it doesn't take to long to get a date and get my surgery. I am very excited and worried all in one. I am sure alot of you have gone through this. I have looked around on this forum and really think everyone on her is doing really well. I hope I have a success story to tell and brag about one day. I can't wait to put my before and after pictures on here. That will be a big highlight for me. I will keep you all u…

Hi Everyone! I absolutely love the site. I have been researching WLS for a while and I have decided the band is the way to go for me. I have a 42 BMI and I can no longer do this alone. I hope the band will help me get to a comfortable weight. I will have to go to MX for the surgery because I have no insurance. I am currently searching for a Doctor to do my fills. I live in NC and so far no real luck. I will be trying to finalize something this week so wish me luck. I would love some advice. I may have to fly to a nearby state for my fills. My goal is to have surgery done sometime in May, but I will no schedule anything until I have a local doctor lined up for after ca…

Hi, I had a really great intro prepared but scraped it. I have been lurking and researching for about 2 months now. This site really helped answer some questions I had both pre and post op. I'm a little over 3 weeks post op now and I have but one regret....That I didn't get banded years ago! If anyone is still in the "thinking about it" stage, just go for it!

hi all is anyone a soda drinker. im a diet mountain dew girl.i am tring to cut down before my banding in 2 weeks. it is hard and i got massive headaches. but i am tring. did you kick the habit after the banding please let me know thanks chris

Hello everyone! Well, I did it! I have a surgery date. It is going to be March 23, 2005. I already got my airline ticket paid for, and I'm all set. Now, I have to fill out all there required health and medical forms, and talk with the nutritionist, and the surgeon on the phone. They want me to loose 10-15 lbs before I arrive. This does have me worried. If I could just loose that much in 3 weeks, I think I would'nt even need the surgery. haha.... But the nutritionist is suppose to call me, and I was told that she is really good, and she has all kinds of ways to get the weight off. Apparently, the surgeon would prefer that anyone over 300 lbs try to loose a little…

Hello Everyone! Love this sight! I turned in my information to my insurance co. (Anthem) in February. They finally responded with a request for more information. They want my Psychiatric Evaluation, which I have and they also stated this in thier letter: "If the Lap Band procedure will be performed please request predtermination for that procedure code also." Does anyone know what that means? Is it a good thing or a bad thing that they are requesting this? I've been told by Dr. Gupta that Anthem has never covered the Lap Band in the past.

Hello Everyone, I've been lurking in the shadows on this site since about December and have really appreciated all of the tips and support you all have shown for each other. A little about me....I'm located in Bellingham Washington and have surgery scheduled for May 20 in Renton. I've been working on the preop requirements since the first part of January. I'm 5'6" and weigh 264. My goal is 150 or 160. Tips from here have helped with the questions I have asked the nutritionist since my first appointment and now I have additional questions for my surgeon for my preop appointment in May. There have been many threads I have read where peopl…

Hi everyone! I am new here, but have been lurking around for a while. I am being banded April 19th. I'm getting anxious to get it over with at this point. I have an awesome surgeon and a fabulous hospital so the surgery doesn't worry me as much as the pain factor afterwards (I'm a wuss).:cry Well, just wanted to say hi! Kris

Hello everyone, I'd first like to say what an awesome site this is! I can't think of anything more important on this journey than positive support and others willing to share their experiences. Just a little about me: I'm 33 years old, divorced, with one son, live in Houston TX. I've attended Dr Spiegel's seminar here, and am researching other Houston dr's, but in the mean time learning as much as I can about what to expect. I'm at 250 lbs now and feel pretty miserable. Since junior high I've battled my weight, but since my son was born (8 yrs ago!) I have continued to gain. I've had some small successes with fad diets but as you know, it all comes back and t…

Hi Bandsters, I'm Cindy from Frisco, TX. I was banded 3/15/05 by Dr Cribbins at Presby Plano. Having a grand time in full liquids (yummy yummy) stage. If anyone has any great suggestions for smoothies or other food please pass them along. I have been surfing your board and have gotten lots of helpful info. Thanks Cindy p.s. could someone please tell me how to post the tracker at the bottom of post.

Hi! My name is Cathy and I was banded on Jan. 12, 2005 in Mexico by Dr. Kuri. I am currently down 32 lbs. and have more energy than ever before. My first fill was Feb. 24--1.7 cc--and I seem to be fairly restricted.

Hey guys, I'm Shannon. I've been banded 1 month now and I've lost about 22 lbs! I live in Birmingham, Alabama and I was Dr Ronald Clements 5th lap band patient! Dr Clements is awesome! I had a great recovery, and I have NO REGRETS! I have attached my before and 1 month after pics! I have gone from 241 to 218 in 4 weeks... measurements.doc

Hello Everyone, I see the surgeon on Monday and was going to wait until then to actually post (in case I got denied for some reason) but I have been using the site for research and I just want to say you are all great and as others have said before me, this site has been a priceless source of information. The impetus for my posting was my concern with the port and sex:lick , I did a search and found the information I'd been looking for....I've been married for 33 years and while it may not be as often as my husband would like, it's still great and I avoid anything that might hinder in any way. So thanks to your openess my last reservation has been addressed...Thank yo…

Could someone please help me with getting my smiling face on my post. I have been to edit, Avatar I could not get the photo that I, down loaded from the puter to this site. aslo been to the ticker.com picked one out can't seem to get it to work. what am I doing wrong? Hoping that some one will help!! My weight for today was 275 from 310 good start! lot's of walking eatting right

the lap band approval process...1st appt (of 6) w/Nutrition next week. Waving to everyone and counting down til i'm banded.:cheeky

Hi, I'm new to the forum. I'm getting banded by Dr. Spiegel in Houston this Friday. I live in The Woodlands, just north of Houston. Anyone out there from The Woodlands or Spring area? I'm very excited to finally get in control of my weight problem. I can't remember a time when I wasn't overweight. My whole family has diabetes, heart problems, etc. and I do NOT want to go down that path. I am doing this while I'm young and healthy and hope to avoid diabetes, etc. I plan to follow doctor's orders and exercise, etc., but I'll need support to help me along the way. Glad I found you guys!

Hi Everyone! Well it's Springtime, and I have decided to pack away my size 26/28 winter clothes for good. I've just scheduled my surgery for 4/5/05, with Dr. Rodrigues, in Monterrey, Mexico. I'm a 48 yr old female, with a BMI of 48. I really need the surgery since in the last year I have been diagnosed with Type II Diabetes, Hypertension, And High Cholesterol. Yes I'm scared, but that's because I'm an OR RN, and I think knowing so much about surgery makes it worse. Also, I still have so much to learn. I'm still trying to decipher what "PBing, PB, and Sliming" mean. Most people use these terms in their threads and I've sort of figured out the code to mean when food…

Hi everyone. I've been lurking in the shadows of this group for a few weeks now and finally decided that I should introduce myself. I've been amazed to learn all the stories of the brave people in this group. I'm just going to the informational seminar this next Friday so I'm really, really new to all of this. I know that I need some help with my weight and am hoping that WLS is the answer. My questions to you all: 1. if you had it to do over again, would you still choose the band over the bypass or other surgeries? 2. what has been the hardest part of the WLS, what has been the easiest? 3. what is the one thing that has helped you be successful? It's …

I had my Band done on the 10th with Dr. Ponce at Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga. Everything was really very easy and I feel great. Kind of nervous that this might be the calm before the storm. I was soooo excited to find this site. Look forward to getting to know you all:)

I was just banded on 3-12-05 at the Molding Clinic in TJ Mexico with Dr. Huacuz. It was a great experience. The patient coordinator Andres is a real character. He kept me and my friend in stitches most of the time which made us feel relaxed. He has been banded himself so was a wealth of information. Dr. Huacuz was a very kind and gentle Dr. (not hard to look at either :cheeky )and went through what he was going to do every step of the way. He showed me the band that he was going to use and verified that it was the INAMED and latter gave me the card with the serial number so I could take it back to the states. Everyone there from the Dr. to the nursing staff treated…

Hi, I was banded on Feb. 17 in Mexico and have been using this site to learn more. I read in one of the threads that people have gotten infections with their ports and had to have them removed and replaced. How will I know If the port becomes infected? thanks, Jody Banded Feb17 down 25 pds in 4 weeks

Hello, I am new and have been researching lapband for a while know. I am really impressed with this site. I am going to a seminar on Tueaday and have appointment with the dr. on the 30th. I live in southern Tennessee and will be using Vanderbilt in Nashville. I would apreciate any advice you deem important I am 43 years old wife, mother of 2 teenage girls and a pre-K teacher I am 5'4" amd weight 270 lbs. I am afraid if I don't do something soon I will shorten the time God has given me. I want to be healthy and am so tired of being tired. Thank you for taking the time to listen and my God bless you all. Tammy

Ok, I am officially starting to get nervous, and even scared. I only have 5 more days until I have Lapband surgery. I leave for Mexico in 4 days. I hope and pray that I am making the right choice!!! I have been absolutely starving!! I have been dieting very hard, and intense since March 1st to loose the required weight before surgery. I have lost 12 lbs, but I have been in pure misery. I am feeling better however. Two weeks ago my doctor descovered that my blood test reveiled that I have Hypothyroidism, and that was part of my problem with my weight. He started me on Synthroid (a thyroid hormone medication) and I am starting to feel better and have more energy. The doct…

I am having surgery with Dr. Ponce in Dalton, GA. I live in SC and have posted to the SC forum...if there is anyone else out there in SC; it would be great to get that forum going. I reseached the LapBand and RNY. Initially, I was interested in the LB; Because I would have to travel out of state to get the best price and the Dr. I felt comfortable with...I started to second guess the LB and focused on the RNY. There is a wonderful local Doctor with vast experience and a great reputation. ( He was not negative about the LapBand, he said he has not been trained in the procedure and therefore he is not doing it but did not knock it) Cigna denied my surgery and I switched bac…

I am so grateful for this website!!! I have learned so much. I’m sincerely grateful. Hello, I'm 33 years old and flying to Monterrey Mexico on April 1st from Houston, Texas to have lap band surgery with Dr. Arturo Rodriguez. Any insight/advise would be appreciated. Any doctors in Houston, TX willing to do follow-up on patients who had the banding done in Mexico?

Hi all I want to introduce myself. I am Sue and live in Maine. I was banded on July 27, 2004 in Augusta by Dr. Morand. This was an easy choice after I did all the research on the band vs. gastric. I knew when I read the facts the lap band was the safest choice. I started out at 351 lbs. and as of today I am down to 265 lbs. I am very happy about the weight loss I've had so far!! I have alot more to go, but I need to remember one day at a time. Thanks for all the suggestions I've read so far Sue 351 at surgery 265 12/29/04 down 86 lbs

Hi everyone. I've been doing research for a while about lap band and I ran across this board yesterday. What a support system you guys have here! A little about myself: I'm 25, 5' 3" 210lbs. I've been overweight for about 6 1/2 years. My family has a history of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, high bloodpressure and high colestrol. I've tried every fad diet there is including Meridia that my PCP perscribed. The only success I had was taking Phentermine- I went from 190 to 170 between Feb. and May of last year only to gain 40 back to put me at where I'm at now. I really don't think long term pill use is safe and my husband really frowns on it as well (yeah, this coming …

HiEveryone This is my first time on this sight, I have been surfing the net looking for a support group. Where do i start, I am having the Lap band op next month and like a lot of other people i am both excited but also very scared, I am hoping that i will get some good feedback from you all. regards Jan

Hi, My husband and myself are looking into bariatric surgeries. Both of us have over 100 lbs to lose. I am 48 with two teenagers, a registered nurse, so I am on my feet all the time, 5'4" 280lbs with 2 crappy knees, and premenopausal. We live close to Port Huron Mi and they have a lap band center so we/I am seriously looking into banding verses other surgeries. I have 2 cousins that had stomach bypasses and both ove done well. Also have 3 aquaintances that have had stomach bypasses but know of no one that had a banding. Either are really big steps and cannot be taken lightly. Ihave been spending alot of time on this web site and find ti very helpful I am so glad yo…

I'm 27 years old and I'm flying to Monterrey Mexico on March 31 to have lap band surgery with Dr. Rodolfo Sanchez. I'm also going to have cosmetic surgery (nose and chin) with Dr. Cardenas. In the last 10 years I have had countless struggles with my weight. I've been on every diet from Weight Watchers to Jenny Craig to Atkins, name it and I've done it. Some were successful, most were not. I will have my one year wedding anniversary in a few months and I still haven't ordered any wedding photos because I can't bear to see myself in them. I've had serious depression for the last five years and will not go out with friends or relatives because I'm ashamed of how I …

Hi, just wanted everyone out there to know about my lap band surgery experience. I was banded in Tijuana on March 7 at the Molding Clinic. My niece and I went together. The whole experience was absolutely great. Andres was so much help from the time we scheduled surgery until we left! The clinic is beautiful and the labs we went to were immaculate. I was so impressed with the whole surgical team. Dr. Huacuz performed our surgery. He did a wonderful job and followed up with us for the next two days to make sure everything was going well. A nurse stayed with us the first night all night long and was at our side at the least little movement we made. I had an IV that made his…

Hi, it's Rhonda from Ga. I am now officially banded as of last thursday by the wonderful Dr Lopez. I am doing great! Even walked to the beach on the day after surgery. I eagerly looking forward to my new life. There were three other ladies that had surgery the same day (I am not sure if they are on these boards or not) and my good wishes for speedy recovery go out to Ariane, Lori, and Lauren. If anyone is hesitant about going to Mexico for surgery, please don't be! Everything went very smoothly and there was no language problem whatsoever! ( I am just glad it's over and I don't have to be nervous anymore!) Rhonda

Hi to all the new people joining this incredible site called Lapbandtalk or LBT. Here is where you will find all sort of answers to questions & concerns you may have before & after being banded. If you have a question regarding anything from healing time to drinking liquids or even how to get those helpful weight tickers at the bottom of your name.... I suggest you begin by going up to the "search Button" in the right hand corner of your screen & type in the key word or words your looking for. All the "threads" or subjects containing those key words will be listed for you below. This is a helpful way for you to become more knowledgable before requestin…

Hello. I was looking into gastric bypass surgery 2 years ago, however at the time I was 18 and felt that a permenant operation like that was not what I truly wanted. Anyway I was told briefly about Lap Banding by the specialist I saw who also does gastric bypasses and he sort of ruled it out seeing as at that time it was $15,000 CDN. I am trying to find out if there is anyway possible to cover the expenses for a LB procedure? I am not sure if there are any other Canadians on here that might know but I figured it was worth a shot. I already know that OHIP does not cover it, and I believe I was told that health benefits are also not covering it here. At any ra…

Hi everyone, I need some insight on the lap procedure. My insurance has approved me for GB, but I am thinking that I would really prefer a LB. I have BC/BS of MD; do you think they would renege on my apporval for the other surgery. I would really prefer the lap procedure for all the obvious reasons. I want to call my insurance provider on Monday, but I am a bit apprehensive. Any words of advice? The Doctor who got me approved for GB does not do the LB procedure. Thanks guys!

Hi Im from Chicago, Im 24 and I just meet the minimal requirements for lap-band. (5'3", 201, BMI 35.5) I have tried it all, for the last 6 years I cannot lose it and keep it off. I have insurance but i seriously doubt they will cover it, so Im looking into Mexico for the surgery but I have a few questions. 1. What should i look for with financing, my credit isnt the greatest and i know I cannot afford to pay up front, anyone have any advice? 2. Can anyone recommend a good dr. in Chicago for followups? 3. any general lap-band advice for someone so young, poor and obese? 4. Has anyone had any serious problems with Mexican doctors? Please send any and all ad…

Hi everyone! My name is Kim and I am scheduled to be banded on March 21. Dr. Spiegel will be doing the surgery. I can't tell all of you how much this website and your feedback has helped me. I have learned so much and I have a much more clear understanding of what to expect in the weeks and months ahead. If all goes well with me, I would like for my daughter to get the surgery as well this summer. She is almost 16 and she struggles with her weight like I do. I want to succeed not just for myself but to also be a role model so she will not have to go through years and years of weight problems like I have. We have talked about it a lot and we both understand that th…

Hi. I am Susan from NJ. I was banded on 12-10-04 in NYC with Dr. Ren. I have had a number of fills and finally have some restriction. I started this endeavor weighing 209 pounds. I lost about 9 pounds pre-op. After my fifth fill in an Inamed 4cc band, I finally feel some restriction. Matter of fact, tonight, I officially got food REALLY stuck. I am not sure what even happened. I had just begun eating in a restaurant with my husband and daughter, when, suddenly, I felt it. Two other times when something got stuck, it passed within a minute or two. Not tonight! I now know what that awful word, "sliming" means and I even tried to gag myself to bring it up. Only partially suc…

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Hello everyone! My name is Rhonda. I am 41 years old and live in Ga. I have been investigating having lap band surgery since Oct 2004. I did the insurance dance with BCBS of Il up until two weeks ago when dr essentially advised I would probably not get approved. (I am 5'3" 213 lbs). At that point I began checking into Mexico. I am now scheduled for surgery with Dr Lopez on Friday, March 11th. I am a bit apprehensive as I am going on vacation with the family 1 week after surgery. I have been a lurker on this web site for the last two weeks and it has been very helpful in getting ready for the surgery. Thanks to everyone who posts. It is a godsend to those…

Hi Everyone! I have been lurking around this site for days and decided it was time to introduce myself! I first heard about the band last fall when I was watching Barbara Walters interview Sharon Osbourne. After months of reaserch I decided this was what I wanted/needed to do. So far I am down 20lbs. Glad to be here!