Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi everyone~ What a great site !!! Anything you want to find out about banding is here... I've called my insurance and they said that its a procedure they cover. I had my initial visit with my primary DR. and she agreed that i'm a good canidate for the procedure. She feels i'm educuated in banding enuff thanks to the net. I'm waiting for the call back from a specialist to consult with me. I'm interested in getting a mental evaluation for the procedure. I'm calling my ins. back here tomorrow to see about that. I think its an awesome tool in the whole situation. For me the pro's out weigh the con's...litterally. rofl. And I think its a wise choice for me. …

Hi everyone, my name is Krissie. Thank you so much for sharing on this web site. I feel so much better than I have recently. I am going in tomorrow to Tufts New England Medical center for my first consults. I know that i can ask them many of these questions, but you guys have lived it... First can anyone tell me about the surgery itself? How long does it take? How long are you in the hospital? How long are you off of work? Anything. Thanurl=http://www.TickerFactory.com/] [/url] ks Krissie

Hey Guys: I am soon to be a new bandster. Going to Tijuana for surgery with Dr. Ortiz Feb. 11th. I am so excited. Thanks for all the great posts. The information you can read in this forum is very helpful for us newbies. Wish me luck! My journey is just beginning.

hey yall; my name is anna. ive been lurking around your web sight for about three weeks. WOW!!! So much info. I live in California. I started struggling with my weight in jr. high. I managed to loose most of my weight in highschool in very unhealthy ways. But by the time i was 19 i had gained all and more back. After i had my daughter it has become impossible to get down to a healthy weight on my own. My family all struggles with weight. I look at my 60 year old gramdma and my 45 year old mother and just want to do something about it now while i am still in my 20's. I am 4'10" and 160 pounds( but i go up and down all the way to 175). My ideal wieght according …

Hello everyone - I am 4 weeks postop and just moving from liquids to "mushy foods" I have been reading posts for awhile and decided I should introduce myself. My name is Gloria and I was fortunate to have really good doctors that insisted on very thorough lab work prior to surgery. They saved my life. I didn't have high BP or diabetes (was very tired, thought the "Big D" was sneaking in) or other "classic" co-morbidities - instead I have severe Iron and B-12 anemia. By starting on the banding journey, I was able to have some potentially disabling conditions uncovered and treated. I am a morbidly obese, morbidly malnourished gal .. but not for long for either of these is…

be really nice to her. I told her that there was a lot of wisdom on this board regarding port infections, etc. thank you, Sue

I finally got my insurance approval in the mail Friday. (Yes, I've been stalking my postman for quite some time!) Last week, my PCP gave me pre-op clearance and sent me for all my fun tests....tomorrow I have my psych eval. Once my surgeon gets all of this info, he will schedule me for an EGD. I should have a surgery date within 10 days of that. So what I'm getting to is this: I'm looking at the end of Feb for a surgery date. I would love to have an online buddy that is on close to the same timeline as me. We could go through it "together." I'm 31F, live in Louisiana, married with no children. (Hoping that once I reach my goal weight, I can pop some out!) I'…

HELLO ALL!! I was just banded 10 days ago, found out today that I am down 19 lbs already YIPPY!!!!! and I can start the "baby food" stage today again YIPPY!!!!!! Well I just wanted to introduce myself. I am already part of a bypass support group, but they just don't understand us banders. Just kidding they are great, I am just looking for more people in my boat. Angela:banana

My name is Tracey. Hello to all. I just started the process of getting banded. I have about 50 appointments set up (not really) but they start next week and I should be ready to schedule my surgery the end of April/early May. I am 39 years old and just got divorced. I need to start my life over and I dont' want to do it as a 308.6 pound woman. I am very excited to get this going and since I have 1 or 2 appointments per week til the surgery, the time should fly by. I have extensively researched this. I work at the trauma center where my surgery will be performed and there is an awesome bariatric program set up. That is why it takes a while to get to the surgery date.…

Hi All! I'm Leslie, mom of 2 kids (4 y/o girl and 7 y/o boy) and wife to a great guy. I joined this site awhile ago to get information about the lab band but haven't really participated in discussions. Well I'm ready to get over my shyness and jump in. I had my band put in on 11/10/04 and have had no problems whatsoever. I lost 16 lbs right away but once the swelling went down I didn't feel any restriction so I had my first fill on 12/21. I felt a little more restriction after that--I had to be careful with chewing enough but could eat the same amount of food as before the surgery. I had gained back 3lbs so I was starting to get nervous so I had my 2nd fill …

Hi everybody, This is day four after getting banded and things are going well except that I am finding it very hard to eat everything that the Dr. prescribed on a daily level, Just wondering if anybody else has experienced the same thing, and if you did what did you do about it?

Hi! My name is Holly. I was banded on 11/24/04 by Dr.Ortiz in Mexico. I just was there yesterday to get my first fill. I have lost 16 pounds so far. I am looking forward to moving on down. I am a teacher in northeastern Ohio. I am not sure yet how to work everything at this site. Hopefully I will get the hang of it. Anyway, I am glad to be here and would be happy to get an advice from the veterans! Thanks, Holly (pennybear)

Hi there ! I am new to the group everyone. I just had had my band done on Sept 21st. 2004. I live in Chicago. and I am doing really great. So far so good. I am down 67 pounds. I just really want to talk to people that are in the same boat and also have a band, that has been the biggest struggle. family and freinds are supportive but only to a certain point! So I am just glad I found this web site. I was on the the bandsters and there was so much negative stuff going, so I am just super up beat about this whole experience( but yet realalistic)! So I can't wait to just talk! It has been a huge journey so far that is for sure. By the way I am 31 years old, and wighed 239 p…

Hey all! I am so thrilled to be here. I'm a newbie & received my approval today for surgery on Feb. 18th, 2005. My surgeon is Dr. Christine Ren at NYU Medical Center. I am obviously a little nervous & yet so very excited! To be honest, I have been lurking around this board, & it has put me much more at ease. You all helped so much without even knowing it!!! I'd love to get to know you all a bit better so please feel free to say hi!! If I can be of help to any of you in any way please don't hesitate to ask! Is it possible to use too many exclamation points?!!! So psyched to be here & soon to be "a loser"!! Love, G

Hello iam new here and waiting for insurance approval. My name is Trina iam 46 years old married with 2 kids and 3 beautiful grand children. My husband supports me with this surgery and wants me to have it so I can feel better. I have sleep apnea, high blood pressure,arthritis and borderline diabetic. I need this lapband real bad. Have been trying for a year with old insurance company we used to have at my work but they always said no. ( by the way the insurance company was carlink HMO). Now we have a new insurance company and it is covered if it is medically nessary. So I just hope I quilify. Waiting is the hardest. I am having it done in Michigan at the Cori center wit…

Hi everyone, hope you don't mind me joining in. I was banded in August 04 and to date I've lost 30lbs I've had 3 fills and haven't lost any more weight for three weeks now although I think all the chocolate the house was full of over Christmas hasn't helped. Helenxx.

Hello everyone!! I just got banded on Jan 5, 2005. I researched the band for several years prior and finally took the plunge just about two weeks ago. I struggled my whole life with obesity and the constant yo-yo syndrome. I was very fortunate to have the procedure and all aftercare covered by my insurance. I'm doing quite well and have my first follow up this Wed. I thought it would be nice to have some support out there so I discovered this site and have spent hours reading through. Thank you everyone for your posts. I was especially interested in learning more about the fills, since I've not experienced that yet. Thanks again!

Hi All, I have not been banded as of yet but am considering it & will decide in the next month or so. I have already recieved my referral & taken the psych exam & passed. I am sending in the weight loss history tomorrow & will wait to hear from the insurance. I am currently 243 & 5'6" according to the last measurement (where I tried to slouch as much as possible to take off a 1/2" or more) LOL - you see I am not quite 40 BMI> But I am close at 37BMI & have gerd & knee problems once in awhile. I love this site & have learned alot thus far. Congrats to all that have taken control of thier lives! I hope to have the courage to join…

Hi! My name is Holly and I just had my first fill yesterday! I am hoping this will get me moving on down. I have lost 16 pounds so far. I learned about this site from Michelle yesterday at OCC. I am so excited about my band! I know I will be able to do this with this band. I am happy to have any suggestions from you veterans! Life is good!

I am due to have my band done on the 21st of February 2005. I am really looking forward to it but as it is still quite new in Western Australia I am a bit nervous also. I have heard that the first two weeks when it is liquid only is the hardest. If any one can comment on this I would much appreciate it. I have been over weight since the birth of my eldest child 9 years ago and I have been battling ever since. I had heard about the lapband before but as it wasnt on the government list I couldnt afford it. Now its on the list I am getting it done. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Hi all, my name is Rusty from Houston, TX. I've been researching the Lap-band over a period of about 6 months. Since the 6th grade I have struggled with obeseity. I'm ready for a change, I'm ready to be happy with what I see in the mirror. I feel the lap-band is the best solution out there. I look forward to learning more from each of you as I continue my research and eventually become a member of the band of banded. Thanks for all the emense information you all have posted so many of my questions have been answered.

and so ready for this journey. So far, everything has gone smoothly. I had some bad muscle spasms the first week but those have subsided the past few days (from where the port lies on the muscle). I am on day 5 of 14 of full fluids and already bored. BUT it is better than the week of clear fluids I was on. Still learning to tell if I am REALLY hungry or just wanting to eat. Anyway, looking forward to getting to know all of you!

Hello Everyone My name is Shaz. I've only known about the sight since my surgery on 1-3-05. I was one of the fortunate ones whose insurance company paid for the procedure (United Health Care). My initial weight was 235 and having a small bone structure, I have experienced several health challenges as a result. As of one week ago I have already released 18 lbs (smile). This seems to be going well! I had my surgery at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago. It was done by Dr. Rasponte who is a very patient, thorough and experienced doctor. I came home the next day and only had to use a pain killer (liquid tylenol) twice. I am now almost two weeks postop and I fee…

Hello Everyone, My Name is Lori I am 41/yrs I live in Sheboygan Wisconsin and Have spent the better part of the last weeks doing research and reading. First of all I have been overweight for most or all of my life I am diabetic. I lost my grandmother (whom i take after the most) at the age of 62 from a life that i seem to mirror. but I have made the decison to go forward with being banded. I am 5ft4 and weight 280lbs the calcautors says i have a BMI 48.1 . I am so Happy I found out yesterday that my insurance does cover the sugery but will not cover it by Oct 2005 so I have my appointment for a physcial with my primary doctor on Feb 3 to get the ball rolling. I was worr…

Hi all! I was asked to introduce myself, so here goes. I was banded in August of 2002 by Dr Kuri. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area(Napa area to be exact). My starting weight was around 285 and I am currently in the low 200's. My weight loss journey has been slower than most because I took about a 6 month hiatus from weight loss last year as I tried to get pregnant via in vitro. It didn't work and I got back on track..so over the 2+ years, my weight loss looks abysmal..but 75lbs down is nothing to sneeze at and I have not gained an ounce in two years, which really was my reason for being banded. I considered myself a foodie..I am not really an emotional eater as m…

Hello my name is Rochelle and im 36 and i have not been banded yet but i am planning on due to health issues but i want to do it for my son who is 3 my little man : ) i want to beable to run and play with him without gettin short winded sure everyone knows how i feel i have been overweight all my life tried so many diets i would lose the weight and it would go right back on... but after talkin to my doctor he said this would be the safe way for me to go .. cause losing and gaining weight really puts a strain on ur body...my husband is no help either i talked to him about me getting this surgury and he says do what u want... so i am doing this for my son and me...... u a…

Hello all.. I was banded last May and have lost about 65 lbs (still have about 40 to go)... I have for the most part enjoyed the journey. Some days I think to myself.. where would I be if I didn't have the band...? Probably 10-20 lbs heavier.. there are so many things that I can do now that I couldn't do eight months ago.. or should I say do them better (walking up flights of stairs without being winded, flying without the seat belt extender...getting rid of my fatter clothes)... I guess I do love my band. Take care... Cindy 5-17-04 Dr. Grossbard TampaBay area

Hey, I had my surgery a week ago. Im feeling alright but just a litlle bored with the diet at this stage. Im not from America so when u say broth does that just mean regular Soup in a packet or even a quick stirr in. Are smoothies ok for the first two weeks. I was on Jello and juices at the hospital.

Hi, My Name Is Donna And I Was Banded On October 29, 2004 By Dr. Paul Wizman In Margate Fl, Feeling Great, Lost 26 Lbs So Far And Considering A Band Fill. I'm Kinda On The Fence About It Because There Are Times When I Feel I Don't Need It, Guess We Will Have To See If The Weight Loss Slows Down. Any Body Have Any Advice About A Decision Like This.

i´m kate and new to the group. banded in torreon mexico 2 days ago. feel just a little sore and tired. i live in seattle and do not have a physician for post surgery as my health insurance does not cover. any referrals would be greatly appreciated. my belly feels like a giant air bubble and tums don´t help much. will try gas x next and any other suggestions you might have. thanks, kate

Hello everyone! I had my surgery just short of two weeks ago at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, NY. I felt good even after the surgery and was really doing well up until a week after surgery. I woke up that morning and it felt like someone sucked the life out of me. (I got my period). I'm doing much better now and will be going back to work tomorrow. I also see my surgeon for the first time tomorrow. I got a lot of information from the program before I had the surgery, but what I know little about is the filling. I'm looking forward to getting as much information and support as I can from this group!

Hi everyone, I have wanted to join a group for a long time but I guess I was looking in all the wrong places so I am thrilled I have finally found one and a very good one at that. My name is Anasastasia and I am from Australia, Melbourne, I had my operation two years agao at The Avenue Hospital by Professor Paul O.Brien. I have lost about 17 kilos, but I have been lazy and not working out and having too many Snacks. My main problem is the Water I must drink around two litres of water before and during my meal or I am in pain if the food does not go down. I have spoken to my doctor and she said that everyone is different but I really should not be feeling this way, i…

Hi everyone. Well, I saw my doctor for the consultation and I am scheduled in two weeks! I am on a roller coaster ride now. I feel so excited, scared, sometimes wonder if this is the right decision, hopeful. Seems like every other minute I am excited and the next I am scared about being able to change all my habits. I really feel this is the only way I will ever get this problem under control. The doctor said I don't have to be on a liquid diet before surgery, it will be after surgery, six weeks of liquid/soft foods. I am really scared about this part of the plan. I can't even make it a day without food, let alone six weeks with soft or liquidy stuff? How did you…

Well, I have to admit I've been lurking amongst you all for the past couple of weeks. After deciding that I just might consider going ahead with this, I thought: 1. my vacation dates would not coincide with available surgery dates 2. there could not possibly be open dates on such short notice 3. open plane seats during holiday travel would be hard to find 4. holiday plane fares on such short notice would be exorbitant 5. funding couldn't work out so quickly 6. my family would think I was crazy To my amazement, everything has worked out; it all unfolded so quickly I've hardly had time to reflect on the decision. I've found a lot of information, comfort, co…

Hello. I wanted to put something clever in my subject line so you'd want to click the post and read it... Anyway, my name is, perhaps not surprisingly, Jonathan. I'm scheduled to have lab band surgery at the Molding Clinic in TJ on January 11th. I just found this site, and due to some (albeit unsupported) statements against the Molding Clinic, I have to admit I'm having some concerns. I had a frustrating experience with Humana. I knew I had an obesity exclusion (excluding weight loss surgery or any other treatment for obesity) and when I called Humana to ask them about it, I quoted the part of my coverage document that stated it. They told me there was still hope…

Hi All, My sister told me about this board. I've been on the obesityhelp.com lapband board for about 6 months. I had my surgery 7/29/04 with Dr Ricardo Vargas Q. in TJ Mexico. As of this morning I'm down 58 pounds. I have the swedish band and have had 1 fill of 3.5cc, but I have no more restriction than when I had the surgery. I am retired AF, and an Independent Beauty Consultant with Mary Kay (fulltime). I am married to a wonderful support gentleman by the name of Robert. I have to great kids, our daughter lives here in the same town with her husband and 3 children; our son is in the AF and is station in Hawaii (just got back from Kuwait). I am so glad I have ha…

Hi, My name is Aubrey (male) from San Diego. I was banded by Dr. Kuri on Dec. 20th. So far so good and I am having a very speedy recovery. I had some "crampy" feelings but not much else. I feel some "cramps" in the morning and a bit of resriction but it is short lived. By noon i feel great and can seem to drink the liquids like nobodys buisness. I am already looking forward to a fill. 337/???/225.

I feel like I know many of you already from reading your posts! eg I feel sad at how some of you grew up with awlful parents, I laughed & cried at your anti Christmas thread stories, I mostly laughed at your funny stories & heartfelt sharing. I lost alot of weight with a very tight fill. Then I got sick & had to have some taken out. I have since put on 10 pounds! Because I went berserk with overeatting. I plan to have a bit more put in asap! So, I cant take too much credit because it was all band related with my weight loss...I didnt really exercise or change my eatting habits...I just ate not much. I also didnt eat particularly healthy or take Vitamin s…

Hi everyone. I have been reading posts to this group for the last couple of weeks - a nice forum to get information. I have an initial consultation next week with a doctor in the US, but wanted to ask people here some questions before I go. I am 5'2", 233 right now and am miserable. I binge eat all the time. I feel like the lap band will probably be a good tool for me, but am still undecided. I have yo-yo'd my whole life! Has anyone here reached their goal weight loss with the lap band? How can eating 1/2 cup of food 3 times a day be healthy? I am asking about 1/2 cup as I see that most people say that is what you are supposed to eat, but that really doesn't cover the …

Okay, here goes. My surgery is scheduled for mid-March. It would be sooner, except that is Spring Break and I’m a full time student. My BMI is over 40, and I have acute asthma. Turns out, there is a type of asthma that is exacerbated by weight, and I’m sure tired of spending time in the hospital because I can’t breathe. After the last stint in the hospital (and the steroids) I gained another 15 pounds, so I’m now about 275 pounds and a size 22/24. Not terribly happy about that. I don’t have an eating disorder, which is apparently unusual for someone my size. The various medications, sleep apnea and major stress have all wreaked havoc on me. I am hoping that th…

...I will join the ranks of the "banded" and I am so excited...yet scared a little at the same time.....I have fought for this surgery and now it's finally coming true....I know it's not MAGIC....but it will finally give me the chance to be healthy again!! I turned 50 on the 24th and it's the BEST birthday gift I could have ever received! I attended a Lap Band Support Group meeting last night for the first time and so glad I did. I got to hear first hand all sides of the experience....any tips from you now that you've gone through this??? Nancy

Hey Newbies and those seeking info.... I went to Mexico to Dr. Rumbaut in Monterrey . I was self pay . I had my surgery 10/19/04 . I was as much as 224 in the spring of 2004 by the day of surgery 213. I am now 188 12/23 -30.6 pounds ( since beginning liquid two weeks prior to surgery.) I was new to this board and had a million questions before I decided to go through with it. It has been great so far!! My bad habits of overeating have been stopped in it's tracks. Some of you may be twice my beginning weight---- but so what.....in five years or less I would be that weight . I just got here sooner --that's all....I urge you to consider this gre…

Hey guys. I am new here. I was considering Gastric Bypass, then, after plenty of research, the Lap-Band sounds more suitable for me. I am 19 years old, and have been overweight my whole life. I am in Kansas City Missouri, and looking at having Dr. Stephen Malley do my surgery. I still have to get approved by my insurance. Do I send them a letter myself, or does my PCP have to do it? I am going to attend a seminar after the first of the year and get started. I am very very excited, and very very motivated. Any advice, pointers, etc that you guys can give me is greatly appreciated.

Hello, my name is Theresa and my sister and I are scheduled for Lap Band surgery on 12/22. We have both struggle with weight issues the majority of our lives. We have also tried just about every other diet out there. Our weight is hierdiatry. Our Mom (who is the most wonderful women in the world) weighs well over 400. She had the gastric bypass surgery 4 years ago. While some think it didn't work for her (she only lost about 100 lbs) we think she's better. She is driving again and gets out of the house almost daily. Both Lori (Sister) and I do not want to end up in her shoes. We are lucky in that we do not have any underlying health issues, but they are sure to com…

Hi, my last post went missing....I think. Im not familiar with this site so Im sending this as a test! Thanks, Sahron

Hey Everyone, Just am so excited to say that I finally have a surgery date! January 19th will be my day I have completed all of my pre- op tests.. which included: 1. abdominal ultrasound-found gallstones.. but will wait till after surgery to remove if necessary 2. echocardio-done 3. ekg-done 4. 2 nutritional consults-done 5. primary physical and letter-done 6. Overnight sleep study- done 7. Psych eval- done (Im not that crazy!! ) 8. Bloodwork-done 9. Educational course and support group- Jan 4th and 11th I waited for my insurance to switch to PPO ( thats why January) and they are saying so far they they will cover 70-90% of the cost which is good with …

Hello Everyone- First let me say I am so happy to be banded!!! I'm new here and have enjoyed reading your posts... I was banded on 11/24 (day before thanksgiving... ) 1st time in my life I've not pigged out on thanksgiving!!! I am 2 weeks post-op and frustrated. My surgery went great and the pain was nothing. I am having hard time with a few things... maybe any of you could help. I am a secy so sit at the desk all day... I get up every 30 minutes and walk around so I'm getting my walking in. By about 3:30 I am in such pain. I have tremendous pressure in my upper stomach. No problem in the lower stomach. The only thing I can think of is the CO2 is not gone a…

Here is a update on my weight loss. So far I have lost 12pds in 1 month I have had 2 fills. You will find on my website that i have some pictures that i took a little bit after my surgery and then the next group of pictures in the different photo albulm are the most recent. I can tell the weight is going away in my face. Please excuse some of my pictures. Some of them are sideways and i cannot figure out how to turn them. Let me know what your feedback is. http://photos.yahoo.com/lovemeacb4e

Hello all, I have been reading the psots here ofr a few days and psoted on another thread. Ifigured I had better introduce myself. My name is Sonia, and I am currently researching the lap band for WLS. I had considered WLS once before, about a couple of years ago, the duodenal switch, but was too afriad of such major surgery. A coworker mentioned the lap band, and once I found otu what it was online, I became excited about the possibilities. I am currently just reading everything I can get my hands on, and am planning on making an appt with my PCP tomorrow to get the ball rolling. I am absolutely terrified (that word doesn'e begin to express the fear) of having surg…

Well, I have taken my first step towards this procedure. Mind you, I still ahven't 100% decided to do it, but I made an appt with my PCP to discuss it, as well as attending a new patient seminar at the doctor i would have the procedure at. TO me this is a big step towards perhaps taking control of my life. I jsut wanted to share. Sonia