Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I am kind of bummed out because for the first two weeks post -op I had lots of restriction I was eating like a bird and now I can eat more for sure. I can eat a cup of food at a time. I was at a baby shower and even over cooked pasta went down. Did anyone else experience this? I lost 13 lbs my first week them like a ton of breaks that scale wont budge. I can even eat saltines. I am confused I dont know when I am sposto start low carb or what.. Can someone give me some advice!

What happens if a fill is too tight? I figured I would eat less and lose more weight. Now, I think I am wrong. Any answers? Personal experiences?

Good morning everyone! I'm just begining my lap band journey. But I'm very excited! Can't wait to share info with you all. This site seems to be a great tool for support. Thanks to the person who refered me. Have a great day all.:banana

Hi there! My name is Katie and i'm 23 years old from Ky. I was "banded" 7 days ago today!!!! I am feeling great but looking for support so I have people to go through this 'with' me! I hope to get to know most of you and maybe even give a little advice myself once i'm far enough out. I'm just a newbie still... Hope to talk to you all soon Katie :kiss

Hi! I have been home a few days now. I got banded on Tues 9/21 by Dr. Johnell in Greeley, CO. I was AMAZED at how much easier everything was than I had expected. I had never had any surgery before, and I think this went great. I'm a tad sore, but not in need of more pain meds. I stayed home all this week from work and will go back to work on Monday. SO, I'm pushing the liquids for now! Some people are in the pre-op decision stage, and all I can say is this: find out as much as you can, talk to people on sites like this and with others you may know who are banded, and go for it if you are feeling ready!!! I also tried to get in the best shape I could for 4 months w…

Getting banded this Friday, 9/24th!!! Excited and nervous at the same time!!! But...cannot wait!!! Hope to join you in Vegas next year at this time! There are so many things I am looking forward to when I lose my weight....but mainly is being healthy again!!! My "wish list": ***#1 is to get rid of all or most of my meds!!! I am TOO young! ***to look in a mirror and not be ashamed a the person staring back at me ***to run with my Grandkids (when I have them) ***to be able to take a shower and reach ALL the nooks and crannies! (don't laugh...you know exactly what I mean!) ***to be able to go to see a movie and actually fit in the seat ***to walk into a resta…

Things went well with surgery Friday.....thought I would check in and say hello. Day 1 & 2 were a bit rough ....but it always is with any kind of procedure.....feeling better every day..... Thanks for all your support! Later... Nancy* :-)

HI and greetings from Sydney Australia I just wanted to thank all who helped me make this decison and for the great advise I found on this site. I did find a wonderful aussie site where we have monthly meetings and chats, but I havent forgotten all those who responded to my posts and thanks i thought if some of you remembered me it would be nice to let you know about my date tommorow(its Monday in Aussie) My 15 year old daughter Jennelle will also be banded with me, so again thanks

Hey everyone, I got banded on Friday, Sept. 24 by Dr. Ponce in Dalton, GA. It was a great experience. Everyone was so nice and helpful. I am now on my third day of liquids and just starting to realize how much "head hunger" affects me. I am not hungry at all, physically, but my head keeps telling me it's time to eat. Hopefully, that will get better. I just wanted to let you know that I am on the road to a more healthier life. Yahoo!! I'm glad I have a place like this board for support.

I just love all of you... I mean it. I really like being in this group of ladies (and men). You are all so down to earth and real...... Superficial people just are not my thing, and you guys "ROCK" Now, You ask for this, I feel real stupid posting them, but here goes. By the way, Thank you, thank you, thank you for the compliments. I was going to eat a candy bar, and now I'm not... SEEEEEEEEE what a little support does.... No Joke... This was taken 4-14-03

I will be having lap-band surgery on Octobe 4, at St. Vincents in Carmel Indiana. Any last minute guidance or suggestions would be appreciated.

I have been researching lap banding for the last several months and have found this site to be very helpful and honest. I am trying to decide on a surgeon in mexico to perform my lap band procedure. I have family in San Diego and am leaning towards a Dr. Mascareno in Tijuana. Can anyone provide me any input on this surgeon???

Hello everyone. I am new here to the forum. I was recommended here from someone at the 3 Fat Chicks Website. I am here obviously because I need to lose weight. I am 22 years old, 5'4 and weight (I'm sure) over 305 lbs. Back in April 2003 I started a weight loss program, and successfully lost about 50 lbs. Then after August 2003, I started eating "normal" again, but I was still exercising daily - and I gained back ALL of the weight, plus a little more. I am miserble. I have tried every diet known to man, and nothing has worked. The last few weeks, I've just felt like I'm doomed to spend my life fat. I don't want to live like this. I am young. I should be out…

New to this forum. I've lurked for awhile and decided it was time I participated. I've been investigating the lap band surgery for a couple of months, now. I've decided, with the help and info from various forums, that the Lap Band is the surgery for me. I'm going to MX to have it done and it will probably be Acuna, MX with Dr. Jose Rodriguez. Now, all that's stopping me is the financing..........but, I have just about worked that out!!!! Glad to be part of this facinating world of bandsters and pre-bandsters. I'm also totally amazed at the info out there and the forums available. Ain't this a grand time to be alive? Ha! Becki:D

I am excited, this was a tough decision but I feel great about the band...No problems. Although some people think I'm crazy to have done it. I feel free for the first time in years.:mad:

Hi all, just thought that I'd drop in and say hello. I got banded in Belgium last week - feeling pretty good about it. Looks like this is a site I should visit regularly... I started keeping a blog of my experiences so far, if anyone is interested, you can find it here. Good luck to all you banders

I have done a lot of research on this weight loss stuff. I made a decision with my doctor last Friday that we would do the lap band. I have finished all of my tests (gastric, cardiology, nutritionist, psychiatric and nutritionist). So now we are waiting to hear from the insurance company. I hope they make a fast decision. I want to get this show on the road. Gunn4ya

Hello! I have been lurking in the shadows reading post after post waiting not so patiently for my surgery..... I have finally been approved by my insurance co. United Health Care and my surgery will be Oct 5th. I am so excited and sort of nervous, I think that is pretty normal so I will hang tough and go for it! My doctor is Micheal Johnell from Greeley Colorado, I have a 3 to 4 hour drive I will be having some lab work and psych evaluation done the 28th and 29th of this month, then as of Oct. 5th I will be banded! I am happy to become part of this site, it will be nice to have people to chat with as I become a big loser! LOL Wish me luck! Maurine

Hi everyone, I somehow stumbled upon this site. I will be banded in October. :mad: Madame Yess

Last night I was on instant messanger with my College Son who is 22 and a fitness guru and studies nutrition and exercise science ect..... He started getting on me, (in an instant message no less) about my diet, about exercise. This went on forever. Back and forth. I was unsure if I should bring up the Lap Band with him, assuming he would jump all over it in a negative way and saying that I should be able to do it without surgery. But to my surprise, I sent him a link, and he said, and i quote: "the band is pretty cool how it works". You could have picked me up off the floor. He did further say that all the testimonials to the bands success emphasis proper eating a…

Hi My Name is Vicki, I live in Indpls. Indiana. I am 49 years old. Feel like I am eight nine. I have a BMI of 38. I am four feet ten inches, weight 188. I have seveal comorbidtys: Diabetes, type 2, trying to be controlled by insulin and oral meds, not doing such a hot job. Also, when I am on insulin I swell and am in a lot of pain in many areas of my body. I am sensitive to it or allergic or something. sleep apnea, I use a Bipap at night with a settin of 17/12. I have high blood pressure. Take meds for this. Have asthma and COPD, take inhalers and oral meds for this. I am short of breath most of the time. Partly because of the asthma but a bigger part because…

I was banded 8/16/04 by Dr. Abkin in Morristown, NJ. So far, I have lost 19 pounds. I just started eating solid foods and have had no problems so far. In reading other posts, I saw the term PB and do not know what it means. Can someone tell me? Thanks

Katy from Tennessee. I'm thinking about the lap-band... hope to find some good info here.

Ok I did a big boo boo and im nervous. I got my band a week ago as you all know. I just swallowed a piece of gum by mistake and it feels like it is still there I think it is stuck. What do I do? I am a patient of dr. rumbaut in mexico and he gives his cell phone and the number will not work. I dont know what to do. Should I drink something hot to hope it goes down??

Hey guys sorry to vent like this but I need to write or I am going to explode.. I have lost quite a bit of weight and am happy with that but I seem to be stuck and not only with this band but when I was doing lindora weight loss program I got stuck there too.. For what ever reason I cannot get past this stupid 200 lbs every time I stare at the scale it stares back it refuses to budge its an all out war between me and my scale and right now it has the upper hand.. I have been doing very well with eating and water intake and even exercise so what else is there.. I just want so very bad to be under the 200 mark and after that the weight as it comes off slow will be reward…

I am one week post op and I notice some back pain. Not really bad but I notice it a little. Especially in my shoulders from time to time. Is this still a from gas after a week or something else?

It's nearly time boys and girls, I leave for Tijuana Monday the 20th. I'm having surgery Tuesday the 21st, staying til the 24th, then flying home. I'm dragging mi madre along, since kids are in school and can't afford tickets for 4. I've read nearly every post here, and have gotten some good ideas, but could use a refresher if anyone is up to it. What should I pack? Thanks to all of your great advice, I've accumulated a few things already, but need a good packing list. What are some things you wish you'd thought to take, or things you're glad you took? For home I've bought propel, bottled waters, pudding, Jello, applesauce, Soups, and Protein bars. I've boug…

Wow can you believe it 12 POUNDS!! Holly #$%^#$!!! The band has been great It is helping me make such good choices. I am really happy! :) :)

IAM NEW AND WOULD LIKE TO TALK WITH SOMEONE ABOUT THE BAND. DANA:D

Hi This has been a long hard battle. 2 year ago both my wife and I were approved for Gastric By Pass Dow (385) Deb (300) Our Insurance change weeks before surgery and weight loss surgery was no longer paid for. We were afaid we were dieing high blood,sugar you know the story. We worked the low carb thing with al our might. In one year I lost 80lbs and Deb 50lbs, but after a year staying on the diet no more weight loss now a year later still dieting no more weight loss. 5lbs up and down. Health is some better, but still need to loss 100lbs each. We have been saving every dollar we can put together trying to saving for the by-pass. But now 2 years later the bypass is 900…

Hello everyone, I am going to tell everyone all about it, this will be long: I am on the plane right now as we speak on my lap top leaving Monterrey Mexico. I must say everything went quite smoothley. Lets start from the beginning... We left my house at 5 am for the air port I wasent to nervous at that point felt pretty good I guess a little jittery I didnt know what to expect. The trip seemed long on the way there it always does. When we arrived in Monterrey I was quite impressed with how easy it was to find my driver. He was holding up a sign that said my name in big clear writing. It was not the confussion that I have experienced in other countries that begi…

I KNOW THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH MY LAP BAND ON OCT 6 BUT I JUST HAD TO WRITE TO SOMEONE. I AM AT WORK RIGHT NOW AND THE GIRLS HERE HAVE SUCK A ATTITUDE TOWARD ME. I SAY GOOD MORNING. THEY IGNORE ME. I ASK THEM AS QUESTION THEY GIVE A SMART REMARK. I REPORT THEM TO THE SUPERVISOR AND THE SUPERVISORS SAY DON'T WORRY EVERYONE LIKES YOU HERE. IT SURE AS HECK DOESN'T FEEL LIKE IT. I SIT AT THIS COMPUTER ALL DAY DOING MY WORK AND I DON'T SPEAK TO ANYONE BECAUSE THEY ALL SNAP AT ME. AND THEN WHEN I TYPE THE WRONG THING INTO THE COMPUTER THEY ALL JUMP ON ME. WHAT THE HECK DO I DO? PLEASE TELL ME!!!!!!

NEW GIRL OCT 6TH 2004 ANYONE HAD LAP BAND IN THE LAST 3 MONTHS? IF SO I WOULD LIKE TO BE YOUR BUDDY. I THINK I AM STARTING TO GET NERVOUS ABOUT MY SURGERY. I AM SO AFRAID OF THE SIDE EFFECTS. I AM AFRAID THAT I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HAVE CHILDREN AFTERWARDS. I REALLY WANT TO HAVE CHILDREN BUT I NEED TO GET MY WEIGHT DOWN FROM 270 TO A HEALTHY ONE. ANYONE CAN REPLY TO THIS BUT I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO HERE FROM THE NEW PEOPLE. THANKS AND GOD BLESS TO ALL. AMANDA-NASHVILLE TN AGE 24 __________________ JUST GOT APPROVED FOR LAP BAND

I HAVE BEEN TRING TO GET APPROVED FOR MY SURGERY SINCE AUGUST 2003. MY SURGERY IS OCT 6 2004. I FINALLY WAS APPROVED SEPTEMBER 8 2004. THEY DECLINED ME ONCE. YOU JUST HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT YOUR HEALTH PROBLEMS ARE SO SEVERE THAT YOU WILL NEED TO HAVE THE SURGERY. I HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, HYPOGLYCEMIA,( OF COURSE-MORBID OBESITY),HEADACHES,NAUSEA,VOMITING,LEG AND FEET PAIN. JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING YOU CAN THINK OF. I JUST COULD NOT NAME THEM ALL. I WENT TO TALK TO A PSHYCOLOGIST SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THEY THOUGHT THAT I WOULD BE APPROVED FOR THE SURGERY. THEY WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE BEING HONEST WITH YOURSELF AND NOT JUST WANTING TO LOSE THE WEIGHT TO LOOK GOOD ONLY…

Hi all I'm new here and just begining my search to find out about this procedure. I am , like most people I suspect, concerned about cost. How do you research the best dr and best cost? I need to loose about 130 lbs and told my hubby that I wanted this surg for my 40th birthday.

The consultation went well (I think). The surgeon (Michael Thomas) seems very competent and caring. But there is a ton of pre-op stuff to do even though I am a cash-pay patient! Oh well, at least I will know what kind of health I am in from head to toe after this! I can't wait until I get all this done and get a surgery date. Although, I am a little overwhelmed at this point! Lainie

Hi, Just wanted to introduce myself. I am very interested in lap band surgery and this place is definitely a wealth of information. I've been everyplace on the web I can find, talked to my PCP and attended a seminar given by a bariatric surgeon's office and have discovered our insurance probably won't pay for a thing. So, I'm interested in going to Mexico. I'm very encouraged by all I've read. Thanks! Becky

Hi All, I'm Lindsay, I just joined the board. I'm just interested in finding out more about the surgery, the costs associated with it, and in particular I would like to meet Canadians who have gone through the procedure, as that's where I'm located. A little bit about myself for those who are interested, I live in Beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia with my husband of 7 months, our Pitbull and Chihuahua, and a bunch of tropical fish! I'm a Webmaster by profession, and I do web design on the side as well. I'm a computer nerd to the core! lol. As far as the weight goes, I've been overweight for about 8 years. I started to put on weight when I graduated high s…

Hi, I am new here. My name is Lainie and I live in Mississippi......right outside of New Orleans. I have attended the seminar for the lap-band procedure and I have my first appointment with the surgeon on Monday. I am very nervous and very excited. Wish me luck!

Congratulations on the big day! Please let us know how you're doing whenever you feel up to it. I hope your surgery went well.

Well Tuesday I fly to Moneterry and Wednesday is the big day. Boy I hope that doctor gets a good night sleep the night before and is on point!! I am really getting so nervous I hope he gives me something for my nerves when I get there. Any last minute advice would be great....... I am going to bring my lap top with me so the night before (monday) I can be on this discussion group. I am going to need you guys, And thanks so much for all the help so far. -Andrea

Hi everyone, I happen to run across this board which someone from Obesityhelp.com posted about it. So, glad I happen to read that message! I am going to Mexico to see Dr. Aceves on Sept 23rd. I feel very good about my decesion and not to scared, but alot of questions are poping in my head now. Although I did alot of research I think my main concern is because I have Osteoporeis and Osteoarthritis ( I know I spelled those wrong haha) and it gets kind of bad at times. Was wondering if anyone else had this and has it been any type of problem for you? Are you taking any kind of med's for it while being banded? Thank you and so glad to be here

well guys this will be my last post before I leave I am off.. I will write when I get back or maybe when I am there. I am going to bring my lap top. Thanks for all the support. When I come back I will know what you guys are talking about. Talk to you soon. ((((( Hugs ))))

Hi. I am new here and I could use some advice. I am going to have the band procedure and insurance is not going to cover it. I have to pay out of pocket. My husband is not happy about the insurance issue. The procedure has now become an argument. He has even accused me of not trying to lose weight on my own. That is why I need advice...How do you make someone understand the emotional stress of being overweight? How do you prove to them that you have tried hard enough on your own? How do you explain to someone the psychological stress of being overweight? He just doesn't get it. He is basically accusing me of being lazy. My BMI is 30. That doesn't mean that …

Hey all, I'm new to the boards here and wanted to introduce myself. I was banded on 7/2/04 by Dr. Rumbaut in Mexico (I've already seen him mentioned here). To date I've lost 25 lbs. I have one fill and I'm at 2cc's in my band. After I got my fill I ended up in starvation mode. It hadn't even occurred to me that I might have TOO FEW calories. Holy crap! So, I eat more often in the day, and dropped 4 pounds in the last week. I think I differ from a lot of bandsters in the sense that I don't have a goal weight/time. I figure if I lose like an 'average' bandster I'll probably be around 145 in about a year, but I don't have a date in mind, and the number 145 isn't …

Has any one heard I am worried this hurricane is going to be in Georgia on Tuesday? Thats where my layover is in route to mexico for my banding.

Hello all I am new to this group. I am having Lap Band surgery 8 Sep at OSU. I have been working on this for 14 mos so as the time gets nearer I am more anxious and excited. I enjoy the support boards because of the excellent information received. Hope to be here often. Thanks Sandy

Well, today is the day. I'm down 53 pounds so I did reach my personal goal of 52 pounds by the end of the first year. I thought that was a resonable goal (one pound a week average). My size has gone down from a 22-24 to an 18 in jeans and it is very exciting not to have to shop in the Plus Sizes anymore. In tops I can fit into XL and even some L. (Feels kinda weird though after shopping plus sizes for so long.) I feel different too. I can wash my car without getting winded, I can cross my legs comfortably, I can sit on the floor to play with my grand niece and I am starting to feel I look different. I had another fill on Tuesday and I am filled t…

Hi everyone I was banded on the 10th August 2004 I need some advice on what too eat? I have been having Soup and porridge for Breakfast. What would you suggest to start me back on solids? Thanks for your help in advance Lynsey

Hi. New to this...hence the title of this thread. I am in the pre-surgery phase at the Tri-State Surgical Weight Loss Center in Northern KY. So far I've: Had a consult with the surgeon (Dr. Tom Sonnanstine) Had an upper GI Had a sleep study Met with the Psy Met with the Nutritionist Still have group sessions to go but then I think we'll be ready to go. The major "unknown" is my insurance. Current coverage (Anthem PPO) has a weight loss surgery exclusion. However, my company renews our policies on Oct. 1 and there is a very good chance we will end up with a new company. And, because we are such a small group, I've been able to put a bug in our Benefit Manag…