Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello All, My name is Selecia Watson. I am 27 years old. I have no children and I am single. I have been over weight since I can remember. I have always struggled with my weight even though I wasn't made fun of as a child. I was always popular at school and had no problems of doing good. The weight really became a problem for me mentally when I got to college. I was always trying to go on different diets, the first one I did when I went to college was phentermine with a doctor. I weighed 250lbs. I lost about 30 lbs in 3-5 months but I was only taking in 1000 calories a day including what I drank and exercised about 600 of those calories off each day. As soon as I st…

Hi! This is my first time here. A friend recommended it. I get my lapband on Monday, Oct 25th. I live in Michigan and have Dr. Zoe Deol. I can't wait for it, yet pray I won't fail - again. My family is very supportive, yet afraid something will go wrong. I believe in prayer and that gives me strength.

Well been missing everyone.How is the bandsters doing? Well I am doing better now. Joyce Dr.Spiegel 4/28/04 225/187/150-

Hi to All: I now have officially joined the group! I was banded on 10-21, in Mexico, by Dr. Ortiz. What a class act! From the moment we were picked up at the airport, till our trip back home, we were treated first class all the way. We were totally impressed with Dr. Ortiz and his team. I would highly recommend them to all. I am tired, but feeling good. I have bloating, tenderness, and of course GAS! I am walking around the house to help with that problem. I am drinking my fluids, but feel so full all the time, that it is hard to get all of it down. It still is uncomfortable to lay on my side, where the port is, and can't lay on my stomach yet. But I have to re…

:cheeky Hello everyone, i have just been approved today for my surgery,the lap band.I am so very excited,i have waited for a long time it seems and i am so thankfull it is about to happen.Good luck to all of you on your journey. Eva

Hi, I'm Shannon. I'm 31, have a BMI of 41 and spend most (okay all ) of my days chasing a one year old. I am seriously considering LapBand surgery, in fact tonight I'm going to my first info seminar with a surgeon. At the moment I am really conflicted. I know that there are a lot of good and well thought out reasons for going forward with surgery, but sometimes it just seems so extreme, especially since my insurance is unlikely to cover it. They would likely approve me for RNY with no problem, but I know that is too extreme for me. How did those of you who are banded make your decision? Especially those of you who had to pay out of pocket, how did you decide that it was …

How do they work? do they make you feel fuller? what is the best tasting one. I live in Australia so I may not have the variety you guys have in the U.S. Any Aussies out there that could give me some pointers. Cheers Janie 44

I'm not quite sure if I over or under estimated how difficult this would be. I feel completely pathetic for not being able to get over my basic NEED for food. I try so hard to be good by drinking my water and getting my protem but I just can't get over my obsession over food. I am constantly thinking of cheeseburgers and fnes, pizza and chicken fried steak. And I realize that it is purely psychological because I obsess over it even after I'm full. My daughter begged me for a Happy Meal today so I conceded. More out of tiredness and frustration of personal matters. So I got one for her and one for me thinking "I'11 only chew a little on the meat itself and spit it track …

Hi, I am hoping some of you who are ahead of me on the journey can offer some sage advice! I had my surgery a month ago and don't get my first fill for 2 more weeks. At first, I lost about a pound a day. When I went to pureed foods and then soft foods, I gained back about 6 and since lost 4 of that. For the last 12-14 days, I've not budged on the scale. I'm working out like crazy and eating just about the right amount or Protein my doc recommended. Did anyone else stall before the first fill? I've noticed I'm hungry more often and I know plateaus are normal for all weight loss, but this is really distressing me. I'm a little worried that when I go for my fill, …

Hullo! My name is Leah and I am new to this site. I'm trying to come to a decision as to whether or not I should have this procedure done. I'm 45, 5'3 and about 265lbs. I have all the usual problems that obese people have, apnea, high blood pressure and sugar, arthritic knees, etc. Does it really work? I have spent so much money on other weight loss programs, I'm afraid that I'll spend loads of money on this and then fail miserably. I would love to be able to take a long walk, paint my own toenails, buy clothes in any store I want instead of a specialty store. You know, just live normally. There aren't any doctors in my area that do lap banding. I've heard a lot…

HEY EVERYBODY. I AM GETTING REALLY DEPRESSED BECAUSE MY WEIGHT IS STUCK AT 260. I HAVE LOST 12 PDS BUT I WAS HOPING FOR MORE. MY DOCTOR TOLD ME THAT I WOULD BE LOSSING ABOUT 12 PDS A MONTH SO THEY STATE THAT I AM ON SCHEDULE. MY PROCEDURE WAS ON OCT 5TH 2004. I AM READY TO LOOSE MORE WEIGHT. I GOT A FILL THE OTHER DAY. 2CC. I DO NOTICE A CHANGE BECAUSE I TRIED TO EAT A FISH STICK AND I FELT LIKE I WAS GOING TO VOMIT. I HAD TO DRINK SOME WATER IN ORDER FOR IT TO GO DOWN OK. SOMEONE GIVE ME SO WORDS OF INCOURAGEMENT PLEASE. :squareeye :phanvan :sick

Just want to thank everyone who responded to my earlier thread. It is so great to have found a forum to talk about all this with people who can truly relate. I know my family means well but I also know that they cannot really understand all that I am going through right now and it does seem to leave a gap in some ways. I guess one of the hardest things I am going through right now, besides the basic recovery of my body from the surgery, is the true withdrawal from food itself. I would never have wanted to admit this to anyone before and it is very difficult to explain to my husband and family but my life really did revolve around food before. When I was happy, I ate. When…

:banana :banana I just had to let you all know I've been approved! I'm being banded by Dr. Johnell in Greeley, Colorado on October 28. I've already done all my pre-op testing. I'm so excited, but a little scared too. I just pray I can stick to good eating habits and maximize my loss. I'll take any suggestions I can get. I've been reading all the comments about how hard it can be and all I can say is it's got to be better than gaining every year. I think this site is great. You all share everything (even if it's not band related LOL) and it's so helpful to us who are soon to be banded or newbies. Wish me luck hopeful1

Hello. My name is Lauri. I first visited this site Aug.2, 2004. Since that time, I have been trying to get approved for the surgery. I have spent alot of time and money and still, I wait. My family is frustrated and keeps asking me if I really think this surg. is worth all the time, stress, and money. Frankly, I am beginning to wonder myself. I have been overweight most of my life and for the past 30 years, losing weight has been the first thing on my mind when I wake up and the last thing I think about before I go to sleep. I don't want to give up but I am scared, worried, frustrated, and almost broke! I am so afraid that I am going to go through all of the thi…

Hi, I have been reading your posts for about a month and think you are all wonderful. My name is Terry and I am scheduled to be banded on November 30. I am both excited and scared. I have learned so much from all of you; thanks so much. I don't know how to set up my weight info under my signature block yet, please advise. I have struggled with my weight for my whole life and am excited to get this tool to support my efforts. After so many nights reading your posts, I wanted to join in the group/family. I look forward to getting to know you and learning from each other more. Thanks again. Terry

Well, it took almost a year of fighting with the insurance to finally get approved so I decided to have the surgery as soon as possible (of course). It was originally scheduled for this Friday but the surgeon's office called me Monday afternoon to reschedule FOR THE NEXT DAY. Although it was a little stressful having to reschedule work and daycare, I am actually glad now because I had very little time to stress and obsess before the actual surgery. The pain today is not so bad, I just seem to be having a problem with one of my incisions but nothing that I can't handle. My main problem seems to be the hunger pains and gas as well as the diarhea. Since I didn't have the f…

hi all, why, is the fill needed, and can you get to tight.? can it stop you from eatting altogether.? don't understand it? 4/5/04 295/260/-35 to date ny. ny. : :ermm

Hello everyone, I must admit, I've been evesdropping for weeks now, make that months....and finally a doctor in my area is starting to do Lap-Band. Guess who his first patient is.....that's right ME! The kicker is I get 2 doctors for the price of one, (a Lap-Band specialist is flying in from another city to assist), although, I think I'm PAYING for 10, LOL. Like I said I've been following all the band sites for a while, and I'm so excited. I won't even go into the I've been fighting weight all my life, bla bla bla. Thanks to everyone for all the insite, except for those few who scare me with their weight gain and pb's, lol....Wish me luck!

Has anyone heard about the procedure (VBG) Vertical Banding Gastro-- My insurance will not cover the lap-band, but will cover the VBG. I don't know anything about this procedure. If anyone knows anything good or bad I would love to hear it. From what I understand it is the older version of the lap-band. I just don't understand why bs/bs of ga. won't pay for the lap-band. Thanks in advance for your help!!!! Hopeless in Georgia! Terry

Hi All: Well, the day is almost here! Fly down to San Diego in the morning, and surgery is scheduled for Thursday, and back home on Sunday. I am very excited, but nervous at the same time, I am sure you can all relate to that! I know I will have a lot of questions upon my return, so will say goodbye for now, and be in touch with all of you soon.

:cool: Hi again. I had my band done in Darwin, Northern Territory Australia. All up I am out of pocket about A$900. Mr Tracey was wonderful and does my follow up care. I can only see him about once every 3 months because of distance, work and time. He would like to see me monthly for the first year, but can't, so is trying to get me to my peak fill level in less 'services' because I can't see him so regularly.ie, he tried 4cc 2 weeks ago but no Water was going down so he took out 2cc. He is great, and seems very easy going but thorough. Because of the conditions I live in I am actually getting frustrated with what is available to eat. I would love to have more sa…

So, Ok here I am. I am getting banded by Dr. Powell in Dallas on November 1st. So far it has been pretty easy for me. I live 20 minutes from my doctors office and my insurance was approved in 2 weeks. 2 weeks after that I had my surgery scheduled, again a 20 minute drive from my house. It all seems too easy compared to some of the stories I have read online. I have been chubby my whole life, but in the past year I have been falling apart. I had my gall bladder taken out, horrible acid reflux, and my knees crack and my body aches. No matter my size I have been fairly active in te past and could always go longer than my skinny friends when it came to walking or exer…

Hi everyone, Just wanted to introduce myself, I am Jode from Australia. I had my band in on 30 June this year, start weight of 110kg, currently down 15kg. Had my first fill of 2cc 2 weeks ago and doing fine. Catchyas round

:cool: Just wanted to pop my head in and say hello.... I'm new to the boards, new to the world of lap banding and excited about the journey ahead of me. Now that I've decided to have lap banding, I'm deep into research for a doctor. I'm going to have to pay for the surgery myself, so I will probably have it done in Mexico. I'm open to all suggestions and information that anyone would like to give me..... right now I'm a big ol sponge ready to sop up all the information I can get. Again.... hello to you all.... and thanks for the great posts I've already read. Cissylea

I have had alot of request for pictures of my incision from my surgery. Some of you all have seen my pictures but for the ones that have not, please feel free to check my website.liquid diets for longer times than others and there is some people that are emotionally confused and frustrated about not being able to eat like they use to. Everyone's different. My problem is that my eyes are bigger than my stomach. I order alot of food still thinking that i can eat everything in the world. Let me break it down. I wish, what i am posting was posted before i had the surgery. I will answer questions with my point of view to the new comers if needed. Let see... Question 1- Can …

going to call monday the 18 th. to set my first appt to get started on lapband, i go from 240 to 285 back down to 250, iam sick of the rollercoaster i thought of the full one but this one seems a little easier , some people say i won't qualify , 5'9 280 perfect blood pressure and heart rate i play a lot of racquetball this must help some what, any i dea if i will qualify for insurance , if not what does this run for cost. thanks alot tim

keep me spoted --good luck

I am officially scheduled next Tuesday October 19. I must fly in on Sunday , pre-op on Monday, surgery on Tuesday -one day in hospital and one and a half days at the hotel. Home Friday. I am hopeful in a huge way that this will be the help I need to finally succeed at healthy permanent weight-loss. I am on the other hand frightened something will happen. Like I have stated before --I do have three kids who need me. I am also going alone-- which Doralisa( the coordinator )told me half of the patients do come alone and I should be just fine. I am interested to know after surgery do they give you bottled water to drink in the hospital?????should I bring my own to …

I am brand new to this. I live in the D/FW area and am looking for a GOOD, REPUTABLE, EXPERIENCED doctor that will take some kind of payment plan if your insurance does not cover. What is the total cost (for those who have been through it) and anyone having any suggestions about how to fight with your insurance company to get it covered would certainly help. I am a 44 year old female, 5'9" and weigh about 240. I think my BMI is 37.8. ANY HELP OR SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE GREATLY, GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Anyone ever go South to have the band? Anyone go to Dr Kuri, what was the experience? What would you do differently? Anyone know of Drs in Texas that perform fills for Mexico Banded Patients? I am still in my research stages of this surgery. Any help and guidance is much appreciated!

Hi Everyone! I got banded three weeks ago. I can tell I must healing internally as I am feeling hungry now at times. What I have also noticed is that I seem to be able to eat more (I'm on mushies) than I did with the liquids. Did this happen to you? I don't get my first fill until Nov. 5. Thanks! Rose

Today was a bad day. I have a really strong urge to feed my face. I'm not hungry, I know I'm not. I went and got .3 of a fill today on top of things. Lots of restriction right now. I'm so frustred right now I want to cuss. My husband and I are at odd ends with each other. 8 years of marriage and my problem with food has'nt been an issue in our marriage until now. He's paid for me to have this surgery and spent a night in the hospital & his POV has changed. He's fed up with watching me "stuff my face morning, noon and night day in and day out." *cuss word* When he told me that, I reacted instead of being the "mature" one admitt that I have a problem a…

Hello I am sceduled for banding on the 26th of October by Dr Lee Grossbard. Dr Grossbard has teamed up with Dr Ernest Rhenke to start the band program in St Petersburg FL. I have struggled all of my life with weight and am at an all time high of 309lb and I feel like I am dying a slow death. I am a 39 however I suffer from hypertension and high blood pressure. My reflux has been an ongoing problem. I am looking forward to this new life and being a part of this community. All words of encouragement are welcome.

Hi Everyone My name is Brenda I am 37. 3 teenagers Married 17 years tomorrow. I have been fighting my weight for 25 years. At one time in my life i got down too 100 and stayed there for a few years then I had my first son.Things went back up for a while. I lost and had a daughter, gained more . I have been doing the up and down thing for so long. I am at 220 right now and nothing is working. I am 5ft2 with a BMI of 40. I have back pain all most all the time. My knees are giving out and my legs hurt everynight. I have been reading about the Lap-Band surgery for long long time now and I have made an Appt with a Dr in Fairfax Va for Nov.3.I really want this surgery but I a…

Hello to all: I am getting prepared for my upcoming surgery on the 21st. and would like some info on protein powders. Would like some ideas on what to buy. Got some Gatorade and chicken broth and apple juice. Also some Gas X. Will have a long plane ride back home, so want to be as comfortable as possible. Thanks to all for your support. Ciao, Sharbythesea

Just a quick note to say hi, from a non-lap banded supporter. I went to Las Vegas last weekend with Penni Merrick, and enjoyed meeting you all. Please feel free to e-mail me and/or keep in touch. Continued good luck to you all. John M.

After having my surgery postponed 2 days, I was banded October 6th. I am doing well --no problems. I am getting a little tired of popsicles and Jello --any other suggestions? hormannk

Hello To All: Just got confirmation of surgery date. October 21st, performed by Dr. Ortiz, in Tijuana, Mexico. Decided not to tell any of my friends, till after, becuase I had mentioned Mexico a few months ago, and they had a fit. Did any of you have that same problem? We are excited, and looking forward to getting back home, and past the liquid stage. After reading all your info on this site, the liquid stage could be 1 week, 2 or more! Guess it depends on the Dr. and your body. I am walking on my treadmil, at least 4 days a week now, and how soon can I resume that after surgery. I have this fear of dislodging the band! What about sit-ups? Would like to try and…

We Just got home from Monterrey. It was 3 fast days. We got there 7pm sunday. I had surgery monday at 8AM and Deb was at 10AM. We both have done well. Deb is dealing with reflux. I am sore around the port. The Hospital and Doctor was great. I return back the work tonight. We have been walking alot to get ride of the gas and it seems to be working.

Hey, I'm fairly new at all of this. I'm 37 soon to be 38 in November and just want to be healthy for my hubby and for my two kids. I live in N. Ga. and stay at home. I love to go to my kids school and volunteer. I've been doing research for about 1 week on the lapband. Who to use, where to go and why. Costs? The pros and cons of all. It is all scarey, but it is something that I need to do. I am planning on going to MX for lapband. Anybody have any tidbits that you'd like to share about your experience with lapband?

Hi, everyone I have been reading these forums the past week. I am considering the surgery possibly in Monterrey, Mexico. I can't go on like I am ...yet I am very afraid of the possiblity of complications..I have three kids. I have a lower BMI 36. I have no control over portions and seem to rather have sweets. I am experiencing shortness breathe, I believe I have a hiatal hernia which seems to have really gotten bigger this summer since I gained more weight. I have leg pain , back pain and isolate from events because I 'm so embarressed by my weight. I,m the Wyonna Judd { who I love } of my family --thin mother and sister...three thin sister-in-laws. I also hav…

Hi, I am thinking of getting the lap band procedure done in Mexico with Dr. Kuri. From all that I have read he sounds good but what I want to know if there is anyone out there who is a self pay for fills in New Jersey? He includes free fills but I was wondering how much it would cost and if there are doctors in NJ that will do fills on somebody else's band? Thanks for your help Michelle

Hi All: I have just decided to have the lap-band surgery, in Mexico, by Dr. Ortiz. I am a self-pay, so when I found out the cost here in the States, I started looking for other options. I contacted "Weight for Life" and they put me in touch with Dr. Ortiz. I am quite nervous about this, but excited at the same time. I am 62, 5'6" and 250lbs. BMI of 40. and so looking forward to walking everyday without an extra 100lbs. on my body! I would like to hear from anyone who has had the surgery performed by Dr. Ortiz. I am sure I will be asking a lot of questions of all of you upon my return. I know this will be a life changing experience. Thanks, Sharbythesea

My name is Veronica. I was banded on April 6, 2004 by Dr. Ortiz. I noticed that two-three weeks post op, I was REALLY hungry. Well, I finally got a fill in June. I had some restriction for another two-three weeks. I waited way loo long to decide to get another fill. Now, I have to wait longer to get a fill so that I could get a decent price on a plane ticket. So, I will be in TJ on October 16. My appetite is soaring and the scale is slowly starting to creap back up!!!! Should the second fill be better? Should the restriction last longer?

For over forty years I have hoped for help with weight loss from many sources: Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Tenuate D,Pondimin, Redux, Phen Fen, Meridia, liquid diet drinks, powder blender drinks, grapefruit diets, lemon cleansing diets, Fat Camps, Spas, Lindora's shots, MD's nutritional 1,000 calorie a day diet lists, decades of gym memberships, walking partners, Jack Lalanne, Richard Simmons (oh does that man make toys!), Gramham Kerr (newer stuff).. Doesn't our list of 'helpers' seem long? I wanted to be skinny like I was in the 70's thanks to all those wonderful simple white pills (yeah, you remember the little generic white dots your doctor gave you don't you? sud…

HI.. I joined this group as the partner of someone in the process of seeking a referral to see a surgeon...someone that I love with all my heart... I want to learn more than what I am told of the procedure, the setbacks (yes, I'm sure that there are some), and how partners can support and guide their loved ones through the terrible times to the final goal...AND I am more than sure that I can learn what there is to know....

I should introduce myself. Silly me, I found the intro section weeks after posting my first message. I bookmarked this site prior to surgery, but never went to the homepage. I was banded 6-28-04, by Dr Shayani @Loyola Hospital. Surgery and recovery were both uneventful. In fact I was up pacing the floors at midnight (ready to go home) I was back exercising by 7-12-04. Fortunately the only health problem I suffer from is back pain. A few years ago my PCP suggested bariatric bypass surgery, but after lurking around on a website like this one, I decided not to pursue bypass surgery. Also the thought of being butchered scared me. Last year I heard about …

Hi Everyone It is our time for banding. My wife and I fly from chicago to monterry this weekend. We are so excited and concerned at the same time. Question Just who do you tip in Mexico. We are packing light since we are both having surgery and no esle is going with us. Is anyone else out there going this week. I wish we could meet everyone at the bash, but its to soon to travel. We have really sinned this week. Your name it we've eat it. 2 years LO Carb,but No Lo Carb this week. We have stop sodas and that is hard for me. I hate cyrstal light. SF koolaid is working out OK. Any last minute advise. Dow and Debbie

Hello everyone, My name is Jodie and I was banded on September 17, 2004............. wooohooooo its been 13 days officially since my surgery!!!! I am doing great, getting stronger day by day........ My port site still bothers me some, but its improving everyday. I have lost 13 pounds already, YIKES....... so excited. Been walking everyday, and up to 1 1/2 miles. Not a speed demon yet, but I am out there. I have the swedish band and went to Monterrey to have it done with Dr. Rodriguez. He was great and a great bedside manner.......... I am a nurse, so this was remarkable for me! I am a little afraid to go back to work because of all the lifting.......... any oth…

Tell me what you think...... I was banded on August 23rd. My first fill is suppose to be Nov 23rd. Well I leave for Vegas on Dec 2nd for my 30th birthday and I am contemplating on getting the fill when I return. I have heard that sometimes the fill doesn't kick in till a week later and what happens if it kicks in a week and 2 days later when I arrive in Vegas and the doc filled it too much? What would you experienced bandsters do? Would you wait or go for it?:cry