Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi I am a fresh (2 days out) post op lap bander. I am very excited to begin this journey. I know you all have a lot of experience and I will read all the tips to keep me going.

Hello everyone, I'm new to this site will be banded on 12/2/04. Still a little afraid. never been under anesthesia. I'm 40 yrs old. 5'4" and 261. Have all the problems that obesity causes. such as band knees. lol, diabetes, htn. and so on. Glad i've made this decision just can't wait until it;s done. will have espophagel manometry on 11/22 last of preop tests. I'm up late because i'm presently at work. We'll I guess it's enough said.

I just came upon this website because I am researching lap band versus rny and would like to know the effect of the lap band on diabetes. I am leaning towards the lap as it is minimally invasive. Any insights from diabetics will be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much, Khadija.

Hi, I have recently found this site. It is very informational. I enjoy reading the excerpts. Situations and issues brought up in this that i haven't heard of through the dr. or support group. I never heard of pb's or the band opening. I am 36 yrs old and live in nh, currently going thru this at St. Memorial Hospital in Lowell, ma. My dr. is Dr. Chen. I have bounced up and down all my life. My height is 5-6, my bmi is 40. People are saying wow, u aren't that big. why, u doing this. I tell them due to health reasons... they back off. Usually I could wear between an 16 -18. Now I have grown to a wonderful size 22, may I add very uncomfortable. Once I was to…

Hi. My name is Nik. I finally had a chance to slow down and say hello. I am having the lap band placed on Tuesday Nov. 9. This is a great forum and I have learned so much about the procedure and lifestyle post banding. I am a night nurse and work at South Coast Medical Center in Laguna Beach. That is where I am having my surgery. Dr. Dallahl and Dr. Quebbeman are my surgeons. Thanks to all of you, it seems like one can get never-ending encouragement and support on this site! Talk to you soon!

Hi guys!! Happy holidays !!! It was a really good one for me. Banded 11/11 and doing pretty good..I started mushies on Thanksgiving Day so it was pretty special...My first response was thgiat the band actually works in that it allows food to go through..What a relief..Then the testing began but I settled for a few spoons of sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce and creames spinach..Had a few spoons of ice cream and sweet potato pie also..Somehow felt a little guilty..The next day took my daughter and her friend out to dinner and my dinner was awful (GUILT )It was a small hot fudge sundae..By Sunday evening we again had famil dinner plans out and I had a little soup and somk…

Hello Everyone, I am new to this website and wanted to tell everyone about my weight loss and fills. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. I am a female 5'9" tall and my highest weight was 302 lbs. I weighed 298 lbs. the day of the surgery (5/28/04) I have had 3 fills: 7/9/04 - 2.0cc 8/9/04 - 1.0cc (total 3.0cc) 9/30/04 - 0.5cc (total 3.5cc) The 3rd fill made my band too tight. I was so restricted I couldn't drink Water or swallow my own saliva without spitting up. 10/2/04 - removed 0.25cc (total now is 3.25cc) I currently weigh 270 lbs. (11/10/04). I have lost a total of 28 lbs. in 5 1/2 months.

Hello everyone, I am a total newbie to this board and am so glad I found it. I have not only researched the Lap Band surgery, but everything else that goes with it. One of the requirements is that I was required to attend an Informational Seminar about both weight loss surgeries. We were given an application at the end of the seminar and I filled it out and sent it so the insurance approval and so on can be done. I only went through with this whole step by step deal because I knew that the Band would be the answer to my miserable heavy and uncomfortable life. Also, my PCP said I have great insurance and she said they would cover the surgery. I know I will have ma…

I was just wondering if anyone else here has had their bands fitted in europe. Especially interested in Lyon France. I know this is a mainly american site from reading your posts. The cost of banding in the usa is so much more expensive than Europe. In the Uk i was given a price guide of 6500 pounds to 12000 pounds In Lyon (where the hospitals have less instance of mrsa and have been doing this procedure for many more years than the uk) i was given the price guide of 5000 Euro which is roughly 3500 pounds this included all the preops. Such a huge difference to what you have to pay in the USA. And how out of reach the price tag in the states must seem to people whose…

I was banded one year ago, have lost 70 lbs. Feeling great. I am from Michigan & Dr. Zoe Deol did my surgery. Anyone have Dr. Deol.

Hi everyone! I am new to the world. I am 2 weeks post op and doing fine. I find I am getting hungry...any suggestions?

This pic was taken before I got sick in 2000. Still overweight but relatively healthy. About 210lbs.

hi all excuse my ignorance here but what is pb? is it to do with vomiting? Tracey

december 8 is my day . sort of new to the site . dr. risik from iowa is the doctor. hope iam doing the right thing. thanks

Hi, I came across this site after meeting La_Madam in person at Dr Ortiz's office while I was there for my first fill. I'm a Lap RNY from 5/99 (performed by Dr Alan Wittgrove), went to goal and then after 2 post WLS babies, found my inlet and outlet drastically stretched and able to eat anything and everything... with the exception of large quantities of sugar. Researched literally the entire world for a surgeon that was properly trained and demonstrated surgical competency on doing a lap band over a bypass patient. One surgeon that met those indicators as well as several others was Dr Ortiz in Tijuana. Had surgery on 10/01/04, met some great new friends (surgical…

Hi there!! My name is Christina, I'm 26 and happily married for just over a year now. After lurking for months and countless hours of research along with a job change to obtain insurance known to cover lapbanding I have made an initial appointment with a surgeon!!! :banana :banana :banana December 9th, I will finally see if I am eligible for this surgery. I am so excited yet very nervous!! I'm not quite sure of what I need to bring as far as documentation and such. Christina :Bunny

Well , I finnaly got it over and done with. I have been wanting to do it, and about 3 weeks ago I said what the hell and went for it. I had done a lot of research on the band and had originaly decided to go with Dr. Ponce in T.J. but as I began reading this forum, I heard some deisturbing news about him. I had heard so much good, but I have to say it scared me. so I switched doctors and went on the advise of another member of this forum. I went with Dr. Ortiz, and I don't think I could have gone wrong. they were great, he was awseome and his medical staff and support as well as clinic and hospitsal was great. There were four of us and we were all up and walking in …

Hello Everyone, Well, I decided to go for the lapband and do the self pay with Dr. Jossart here in S.F. California. I will pay 12,500 and 4,000 for five years of follow up care for fills ect. I was going to try and find Dr. Ortiz but thought it would be easier on my children in I had it done close to home for one night. I just adopted my son eight months ago and really feel uncomfortable being away for too long. I have been home on disablity for over a year and think it is time I do something so I can really enjoy my children. I blew a disk and need to replace my left hip from a football accident that happen when I was 12. So I am doing the lapband ad my 1st procedur…

Hi, I just found this site....I have my 1st consultation with the Obesity Consult Clinic (OCC) at New England Medical Center in 2 weeks. I hope to get "banded". I was scheduled for a gastic bypass September 2003, but the week before my surgery they read my EKG (dont know why they waited 9 months to read the report) and I have mitral valve prolapse. One of my best friends had her bypass the week after mine was scheduled and she wound up dying the week after, so I was pretty scared off from any surgery!!! My cardiologist recommend lap-band surgery, so here I am!!! I would like to lose 125 lbs. Patty

Hello, my name is Jen. I am 32 and a mother of 4. I have been struggling with my weight as long as I can remember and I finally made the decision to do something so I can live a long healthy life. I have nothing but support from my husband and family. I should have a date next week. My insurance is awaiting the letter of consent from my PCP so keep your fingers crossed for me. Looking forward to getting to know you guys! Jen

Just wanted to say Hi to everyone I have been lurking for quite some time. I am the mother of 2 small children my youngest just turned 3 and my oldest will be 7 in December so it was very important to me to be around for along time for them also my hubby. I was banded on July 16th in Greeley, Colorado By Dr. Johnell So far I am doing fine hanging in there and of course you have your ups and downs but I believe it is how you deal with them. I started off at 241.00 and am now down to 196.3 which is unbelievable to me I am beyond words. My goal weight for me would be around 160.00 so hoping I can reach that in the next year and then just maintain myself. At this time I a…

Hi, I have been shopping doctors and had made up my mind to use Dr. Spivak in Houston,however, I have just about changed my mind. I liked him enough, however they want me to pay his foreign assistant $500 up front. I have 2 insurance policies and feel I should not have to do that. I have a strong feeling that the insurance will not pay it and that is why they want it up front. Besides, I am single and don't have that kind of extra money. The paperwork Spivak hands out says this doctor is licensed by the Texas State board of medicals examiners as a surgical assistant. Someone from Spivaks office told me this Dr. Beltran was not licensed to practice in America. Heck, if…

Has anyone had to pay out of pocket to a foreign surgical assistant when insurance covers this? This seems strange to me

Hello Friends I am at two weeks post op and am just now getting to feel back to normal for at least half the day. Still a bit light headed and some aching in the stomach. Keeping up with the Clear liquids. Wife made me real chicken broth yesterday. So much better. Kids still have holloween candy all over and I still have no desire to even think about cheating. Is it normal at 2 weeks to not be at 100%? What foods are coming after my clear liquids? How much excercise is normal at 2 weeks?

Hi Everyone! (Disclaimer: Long post here...) I was banded by Dr. Kevin Montgomery in Kirkland Washington on 10/25 (2 weeks ago). I live in Eugene Oregon - about a 5 hour drive from Dr. Montgomery but after researching the various docs in the NW who perform this surgery and talking with some, I decided to go with Montgomery (Northwest Weightloss Surgery). So far, NO regrets of any kind. I have a sister and friend up in Seattle and occasionally have to travel there for business, so making appts is not a problem and gives me chance to visit and shop! I came to the conclusion that there was no turning back this summer when I found out that I will need to have my aorti…

Hi, I'm really new to the banding, as well as forums. I was banded on October 22 by Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana, Mexico. So far I have lost 18 pounds, and am thrilled by that, but am a little depressed by the inability to eat most anything without it getting "stuck" and painful. Probably am still eating too fast...years of training as a nurse on the job! Any hints about the eating? soon to be less Mindi!

Hello everyone, I am looking for someone that is from Nashville,Tn.That has had the lap band surgery and can anyone tell me if you are going to the support meetings thier or any where close to Nashville.I am haveing surgery on the 30th of this month. Thanks Eva :cheeky

I made it. I am an official bander. Band was installed on 10/26/2004 however all was not smooth sailing for me. I was released from the hospital on the morning of the 27th even though I had vomited several times and was not holding my fluids. I was told the swelling around the band would subside and liquids will soon pass to the stomach. I made it until the afternoon of the 28th still vomiting and very discouraged. The doctors assured me all is ok and sent me to the ER for 2 litres of IV fluids. Afternoon of the 29th still vomiting very sore and doctors re admitted me to the hospital to keep me hydrated anfd perform a barium swallow X ray. The swelling finally went down a…

Just joined this site and hope to find friends, encouragement and information!

Just wanted to say I feel like I've met most of you personally, everyone is so caring and it really shows when everyone shares their true feelings. I had signed up for some Yahoo Groups and OMG, talk about a lot of less than pleasant people. Not everyone mind you, but nothing like the comfort that goes on here. Thanks to my new friends and supporters.

Hi folks, I'm Vickie, a pediatric RN living in Alaska. I found out about the band several years ago but heard lots of negative things, so I never pursued it; all I knew is that I didn't want bypass surgery. Meanwhile, the pounds kept creeping on (where do they come from? ). So here I am, nearly 40 years old, 300 pounds, and I'm gaining a few pounds a year. Getting around is getting harder (which makes being a nurse interesting to say the least) and, since I have an autoimmune disease (Sarcoidosis), it makes it really tough sometimes. I've pretty much decided I want the band (concerns about my Sarcoidosis notwithstanding -- especially my worries about the coughing I do …

I have the hiccups going on 24 hours now , I am worn out any suggestions ? I had a new fill to 2.7 cc and yes it is toooo tight I can only eat ice chips ,it was ok one wed and thursday and friday morning , Then around 4 I took a bite of licorice and Said why did I do that ??? Ithink it is stuck and will not go through the band I am miserable a terrible pain between my breats throwing up and hiccuping . I will call my doc in the am , he is three hours away , I kept hoping it would pass. Thanks for any feedback Avery

Hello everyone, Thank you so much for all the information you all have posted because it has been really helpful to me in making my decisions. The decision to have the lapband instead of the Gastric by-pass was easy but now I am not sure how to proceed. I am hoping that someone might have some ideas to help me. I met with Dr. Jossart from San Franscisco and he advised me that the lapband would be my best option and that my insurance would cover it. Also that I would most likely need to have my gall badder out at the same time. I did all the pre-opt tests and called to see when surgury could be. But they said thay they called my insurance and I was told that my insura…

Hi Everyone, I just found this forum, and I am so excited to be able to communicate with other lap-banders. I just had my lap-band surgery 5 weeks ago, and I am going in next week for my first adjustment. So far I have lost about 17 pounds, but it seems to have slowed down the last couple of weeks. I live in Gulf Shores, AL, smack in the middle of Hurricane Ivan destruction path! I am looking forward to meeting all the other members on here, and I especially look forward to having someone to share this with, since I told NO one except my husband that I had this done.

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 http://photos.yahoo.com/lovemeacb4e

Was looking for others who live in Michigan. I had the LapBand surgery 10 weeks ago. I'm loosing weight slowly, and learning how and what to eat on a weekly basis.

My name is Pam. I live in Mesquite Texas(suburb of Dallas). I was banded Oct.4. My doctor is Dr. Powell. Everything went well for me. I was one of the lucky ones. Now that the swelling has gone done, I am hungry! I get my first fill next Monday. I'm looking forward to it but I'm a little nervous about it also. I lost 18lbs on the pre-op diet and while I was on the post op liquid diet. I'm afraid to see how much I have gained back this past week.

How soon after a fill do you start to lose weight? I had my first fill on 10/28/04. I don't really feel too different.

Hello All. I Am Doing Well. I Went To The Doctor For My Second Fill. I Had My Surgery On Oct 5th. I Had My First Fill On October 18 And My Second Fill On Today. November First. When I Got My First Fill I Was Still Hungry. I Could Eat More Than 4 Ounces Of food. I Hope The Fill That I Got Today Will Help. By My scales At Home I Have Lost 14 Pds. By The Doctor Scales I Have Lost 11pds. I Think I Will Stick With My scale For Now. Its A Little Nicer. Here Soon I Am Going To Download Some Pictures For You All To See Of Me With My New Weight Loss. I Did Have A Small Problem On Halloween. Me And My Husband Went To The Lake For A While To Relax. For Some Reason I Started To Fe…

I Was Banded 3/04.... Lost 37 Lbs... It Seems Slow, But I'm Thrilled...i Was Adjusted Once, But I'm At The Point Where I Wondering If I Should Be Adjusted Again... I Don't Want To Start Throwing Up On A Regular Basis... Any Thoughts??? Thanks

Hello All, Just wanted to introduce myself.... My name is Shae and I have been reading your message boards for a month or so... you all have so much helpful information and Its great to read 'first hand experiences". I am 28 years old, and live in the Bay Area, Cali. I have been overweight my entire life.. can remember being put on diets in the first grade. I did have one successful weight loss about 2 1/2 years ago and dropped over 100 lbs... but quickly regained it... the 'feeling of full' is something i have the hardest time with. So, after reading about gastric bypass and lapband, I have decided lapband is the way for me... I have almost completed my pre-op…

I have been researching lapband for sometime and today there was a special about Ann Wilson (from the band Heart). I have Cigna insurance I wonder if they would cover it? If they didn't how much does it cost out of pocket?

Hi everyone I am new here..joined yesterday and just getting used to navigating this site..thanks to the creator of this site...My lap band surgery is on 11/11 with Dr Ren in NYC...Am very confident in her and the procedure but it's all such a whirlwind...It's like I'm getting this much needed help to regain control of my life...Life is real good...great family ..wife ..2 kids..11 and 14...good job..all with issues but that's life..It's so wonderful to have this opportunity to get healthy and i just won't fail...Of course a little doubt but it won't get the best of me...I'm 49..weighed 302.5 yesterday..298.5 after 1 day on liquids ( I ate alot the last day) and I can't…

Last year I read a post here that talked about some docs ( radiology ) that do fill adjustments.I need a slight unfill and that is close to home than Dallas where my doc is . Anyone know of this group? Thanks,Avery

That is not for one person. My wife lost 13lbs and I lost 20lbs. Lossing weight is easy when you don't eat (LOL) Clear Liquids are for the birds. I'm affraid some of our liquids were not that clear. We do like cream soups. Deb has trouble with some liquids. but I feel like I could eat a horse.

I have read alot of your experiences on being banded. Many of you refer to everything you have given up to have the band. The changes you have had to adapt to.The things you can't have, food you can't eat. I would like to hear about any and all these things.........Please.

Janie, who was banded in Perth, is having trouble; see her thread at http://lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=3418 Any suggestions on someone she could see in W.A. (or elsewhere) for a second opinion?

Hi Lap Band friends! This is new for me so be gentle! I had lap band surgery in 7/03 and have lost 123 pounds! Have gone from 285 pounds to 162 pounds and dropped from a size 26 to a size 6-8. I have been very fortunate and do not have to have plastic surgery. I must stress that exercise is the key. I am 45 years old and a grandmother. I feel like a new woman and everyone says I look and act like a new woman! I have never been this happy or felt this good in my life. I feel like I am 16 years old! Amazing what a little weight loss and exercise can do for you. I regret that I didn't find out about the band sooner! My insurance paid for it too! I am so excited …

Hello everyone, I joined this group yesterday.. and boy have I found lots to read. Thanks everyone. My name is Trish and I live in Las Vegas,NV and I too will be going to Mexico, to see Dr. Kuri, all the information Ive received during my studies, have pointed to his office. I cant wait until Nov 21, when I will go to TJ for all my blood work and other stuff, then for the 22nd for surgery. The only worry I have is I will need to go down alone,it is Thanksgiving week and everyone I would consider going with me have traveling plans of their own, luckly I found air ticket for 35.00 each way, so I will fly. The drive is only about 5 hours each way, which I will do for fills. …

Hello everyone! thought I would give an update as to how things have gone for me. I had my pre op visit with Dr. Johnell in Greeley Co. I got on the scale and to my suprise I had lost 8 lbs prior to surgery My surgery was on Oct. 5th at about 1:00 p.m. but went very 'routinely' I woke up later in the day and looked at my tummy and thought "well....I can't change my mind now!" lol. I lay in my bed for a bit longer then began walking the halls, I read the sooner your up and moving the better, I believe it is a true statement. After 3 'walks' I was sitting in my room and a lady I didn't recognize came in with a bouquet of flowers, at first I thought she may have the…