Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I think that I posted in the wrong area a few minutes ago.. I posted under back from mexico but i meant to post under this one so instead of re writing you can read my post there if interested.. thanks and nice to meet everyone...

... or, It Only Hurts When I Laugh. (Warning: this will probably be long.) First, I have to say that this board helped me get through the first few days of banding. Before I went into the hospital, I read a lot of old posts about pain, the joys of the liquid diet, etc. -- and that heating pad suggestion was great. I was banded by Dr. Roberto Rumbaut in Monterrey on August 26. There were at least three other women having the surgery on the same day; we kept seeing each other in the hotel lobby, at the medical testing facility, and at Rumbaut's office. While this did make me feel like I was on an assembly line, I grudgingly admit that this is not a bad thing. The docs…

Hi all! I'm Karen and I'm from KY. I was banded on 7/8/04 by Dr. Oldham in Georgetown. He is totally awesome, by the way. I'm 8 weeks out today and I'm down 24 lbs. I've gone from a 2x to a Large and a 24 to almost 18 in jeans. I've had 2 fills and I'm at 1.75. Can't wait to get to know some of you. Karen

Does anyone have dry scalp problems after surgery or after a fill? Or maybe its just me. Or maybe the weather. Please advise. Thanks.

Hi everyone just wanted to introduce myself. I'm am really NEW at these kind of things. I was banded7-23-04 by Dr. Hadar Spivac out of Houston Tx. Looking forward to this journey! LOL Lisa

How in the world do I put a pic on this thing I am stumped I have a picture in my folder Ia m going to try and attach it.

Hi all, I just need to blow of some steam. I was told my doctor's office to wait till today to call them and see what the progress was with my insurance company. They had faxed all the information to them last Friday or this Monday, I'm not to sure on that one. Anyways, today my doctor's office was told that (Cigna) never recieved any my information. So they re-faxed everything again this afternoon and we have confirmed that they did recieve it. Cigna told them to give them 5 days for go over it and for us to call them next Friday. That's all good, but my problem is that I have to have the surgery done by the end of this month, as for my insurance changes to BC/BS…

HI All Just wanted to say Hello, i live in the UK (we are fat there too!) and am hoping to be MID banded within the next month, am very excited that my body may last a few more years yet now i have found this tool. My life seems to be on hold and am cramming in so many 'last suppers' it's not true (yikes:) Bit more background attached below for anyone who's interested: http://www.wlsinfo.org.uk/newweb2/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9142 Looking forward to sharing all good stuff with all of you

Hi everyone, I've really enjoyed reading about everyone's expriences with the lap-band. My doctor just sent all my medical information to my insurance company on Friday. I have Cigna PPO insurance. My only problem is that our insurance changes to BC/BS of GA at the end of Sept. Right now we have met all of our deductables, even our out of pocket one. So the surgery would be covered at 100%. Any advise on how to speed things up with Cigna? I sent them everything they requested. Six months of records from my doctor on my weight progress, letter from dietition, phys. therapist and from a psychologist. A letter of recomindation from OBGYN and my Chiropractor. (and b…

Hi all, if you are banded and are able to eat reg fiood, what is your day like how much do you eat and how often. I have been filled one time and have lost 60lbs. I was banded in Mar 2004. I feel like I am stuck. I sometimes think I need a fill but the restriction is still there and its really weird because some day I can eat ok and then other days my food is getting stuck. I had some oj this moring and had a little heartburn its gone now. I am addicted to mexican food. Is this bad?

she was to be banded on aug.23 with dr rumbaut? I was just worried about her wondering if anyone heard?

Hi everyone, I just got all my information submitted to my insurance company today. I have Cigna PPO and I hope everything goes well. I gave them all that they requested and them some. I'm a stay at home Mom of 2 children and I'm 5ft 2 in and weight 205. My BMI is 37. My only problem is that I'm kinda of on a time line here. We change insurance company to BC/BS of GA at the end of Sept. So in need to get this approved and done by the end of the month. The good part of Cigna is that we have met all the deductables, even our out of pocket which mean the surgury would be covered at 100%. What are my chances of this happening???? My doctors office advised me to star…

I did it -- surgery scheduled with Dr. Rumbaut in Monterrey on (gulp) August 26. Thanks to everyone on this board for offering information and support to us newbies. I'm excited about this big change I'm about to make. Zoe 5'9" 264/145? (will settle for 170)

Hi everyone. I am new to this site and so excited since I am going to Mexicali, Mexico to see Dr. Acaves to be banded. I am so confident that this is the right decision for me. I am 37 with a BMI of 40.6 and I need to loose some weight to enjoy life to the fullest. I have a daughter that means everything to me, and I want to be around for her. Any advice and tips would be gretly appreciated. ttfn Sari 234/???/170

hello i just wanted to say hi and let everyone know that i am very interested in the lap band surgery but i am having a problem with finding a dr who will take my ins. but i am still looking and not giving up. Eva;)

I just got my band last night and out of the hospital today. I am sore from head to toe and can't imagine why! It hurts to lift my arms, my calves and thighs hurt to move them. My neck, arms and legs hurt more than my stomach. Is this normal?

Howdy all...my name is Carla and im a newbie here..im getting banded by Dr.Richard Carter on September 20, 2004..and i cant wait..im so excited..any advice, tips or suggestions r welcome...i just had a quick ?/ for ya'll...what did u do for the whole 23 hrs u r in the hospital??/ i was just wondering...its great to finally meet ppl that have been banded...i live in the Arlington Texas area...can't wait to meet any/or all of u guys and gals...thanks...Carla

I saw your post on dylansmommie's thread! Welcome to the forum! Maybe if we create your own thread you'll get more responses. Tell us a bit more about yourself and what questions it is that you'd like answered regarding the 'gory details' of surgery before and after. Physically, this is a pretty straight forward surgery. Not really too gory at all . It is minimally painful - compared to other surgeries, but I won't lie and say it doesn't hurt. The first 3-4 days can be quite uncomfortable, but not unbearably so. You'll normally have 5-6 very small incision/puncture sites where the doc has placed trocars that are used to see inside during your surgery. These instr…

I'm having a hard time drinking enough Water. Before the surgery, I drank lots and lots of water. I mean like 3 quarts a day. Now, I can't drink more than a sip at a time. I feel like I'm swallowing air and I burp and it's painful. Will this get better with time? I've only been banded for 5 days. I'm afraid to do anything physical that involves sweating because I don't want to get dehydrated. Also, anytime I drink anything with calories, broth, juice, gatorade, I get gas bad! Will this go away too?

I guess I should introduce myself first before laying my problems out there (see banded last night). I had my band done on 23 Aug 04 by Dr Grossbard in Zephyrhills Fl. I just got out of the hospital today and am in such pain that I got on the net to find some info and found this forum. I've been searching around and have found nothing like my pain. I think my neck hurts because of the position I was in when they intubated me. But why my arms and legs? Could I have tensed up for the entire surgery? It took them 90 minutes to complete because I had so many adhesions from a previous surgery. Also, in the previous post, I meant to click on the sad face, not the…

I am new to this site. I have already posted several messages. I was wanting to see the responses to decided if I wanted to stay here or not. I found this site by luck. It has really helped so far. It has made me feel comfortable spilling my guts out to anyone who cared to listen. I really need some support in my battle over the "what ifs" of having Lap Band. I feel good knowing that there are people out there who felt the same way, and I enjoy reading all the stories they they have to offer. This is a great support for those in need. Oh yea, I forgot to mention. My name is Heather. I am 25 and currently weighing 245ish at 5'6". BMI is around 37.8.

Well I got another fill on Monday I am now at 2.4 cc and I think I finally have some restriction I was begining to get discouraged but I am trudging the road to a happy destiny and with Gods help and you all I will be shedding these pds soon enough. Thanks to all of you for your encouragement. XXXXXOOOOO!!!!!! Dr.Spegeil 299/270/130

I am still trying to deside on surgery. I guess I am a lite weight. (Need to lose 50 pounds) I have been reading alot of what you guys are eating after your surgerys. I am not a big eater but my body stores food like crazy. I am amazed at how much you can eat and still lose weight!!!!!! I eat pretty much what you are eating and I gain weight every week????? I follow the high protein diet and will have a few more veggies or fruit that I should but stay pretty close to Atkins. The only difference is that I never drink water and usually drink 4 or 5 diet cokes a day. Give me some feed back here.......

Waving madly from Australia! I am glad I found you, this looks like a nice place. I was banded on 1/26/04 and since then have lost 30kg (I think its about 65 pounds) I have been very lucky everything is going well, I have 0.9ml in my tank and I think it may be a tad too much. Have been strugling with reflux which is a pita. Have had some fill taken out to combat this, and its better but still a bit bothersome. Hope to get to know everyone on here.

Hello and happy banding all. I'm from Texas and was banded June 2nd by Dr. Spiegel. To this day I have lost a total of 33 pounds and doctor says I'm doing great and losing the way I should. I just had my third fill and am up to 2cc. I love my band. Just losing the 33 pounds has given me the confidence to move forward with my journey. I'm really interested in chatting and getting to know more people who have had this whole experience also. I know you will be my support and I will be yours along this road we have chosen to take. Good luck to all and we shall hold each other up along the way!!

Hello, I am pencilled in for Surgery Dec. 20th, 2004. I have been married just about 15 years. I have 2 daughters Elizabeth 13, Stephanie 10, one son, Benjamin 6. My husband had open gastric bypass a year and a half ago. I have been wanting something... anything since then, actually before. Without insurance we never thought it possible. I am very anxious! Up till then I am reading all I can to prepare and make a file. Thank you all, Lori

Hi everyone, I'm very new at this, so please bare with me. I'm in the process of getting approved for the lap-band producer. I'm a stay at home Mom, 42 years old and have two children. I think my biggest problem with my weight issue is that I think my body is a humun garbage disposal. Anything that my kids don't eat, I do! I'm 5ft 2in and weight 204, my all time HIGH!!! My BMI 37.1, so their for I quailfy for the lap-band. I have all my info to send to the insurance company, my 6 months of doctors care for wieght lose, my clinic work-up in tomarrow morning. My only problem is that our insurance changes at the end of Sept. for i need to get this done ASAP. Any a…

Hi Everybody. I was banded July 16,2004 by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez in Mexico. I have had one fill and in 5 weeks I've lost 20 pounds:cool:

Well, I put a call into the Doctor's office to see how much they are charging for self pay. I sure hope he has come down on his prices like some of them. I had to leave a message for the Insurance Depaprtment to call me back. I bet it won't happen today, since it is so late already. After I talk to them about that, then I guess it will be time for an appointment. Keep your fingers crossed for me. Betty

Hi, wanted to introduce myself Melissa Waguespack from Gonzales, La. 31/2 months out and 30 down. Needed some support from other banders. I read more than post to find out I am not alone on this journey...and what an awesome journey it has been. Melissa

Thanks for all the advice. I see a lot of you did self pay...I was just wondering if you took out a loan? I'm sure some of you have saved, but that unfortunately wouldn't be me. After reading the forum I'm really considering going to Mexico...it seems that most of you have had a really good experience. Of course, my husband is a little uncertain about that, but he hasn't seen the forum either. Thanks again everyone and I just want to say that this is a great site!

I am defeated I feel like such a failure.I have not spoken to anyone about this but I am freaked out. I have been pigging out on birthday cookie today and I can't tell if I have the right amount of restriction or not I can eat pretty much anything comfortably except dry chicken or beef. I am filled to 2.5 cc and I go back on 8/23 and I want to be filled to thr max but he keeps telling me I am tight so what is the deal is ait all mental I am stuck at the same 25 pds I lost my first month. I see the progress others are making and I get so disgusted with myself. I am a very positive person can't you tell? Seriously I am a hairdresser and big mistake I let everyone know what …

Hi everyone! I'm really, really new. I actually am just recently checking into lap banding. I have done Weight Watchers, L.A. Weight Loss, other diet drugs, but wasn't very successful on any of them. The scariest part is I'm not sure if I would qualify for the surgery. I think I'm right on the border as my BMI is 38, I am 5'2" and 209 lbs. It seems that they are much more stricter in the states. I feel fatigued all the time, back pain. I also have a history of high blood pressure, but that fluctuates. I've always struggled with my weight. Any advice is welcome.

I would like to thank you for this forum. I had my surgery on 01/13/04 and currently have lost 17 lbs. I have been very sad and depressed because my lap band is not working for me and wondering what was wrong. I found this site and it was the best thing I did! The encourgement is awesome and has renewed my hope of losing weight and being healthy. My surgery was performed by Dr. Cribbens, a very kind and caring doctor practicing in Plano, Texas. After 6 months I called his office and discussed my frustrations. I know the lapband works because my friend has lost 100 lbs and feels great. After reading the emails from others, I have a better understanding of my…

Hi I am not a newbie, but for some reason I got bumped off. I am back again. Babs in TX 334/203/170 6/23/03 -131

Hi There- My name is Kim and I'm from Denver. I've decided to have LapBand surgery, and for a variety of reasons, I've decided to go to Mexico for my surgery. Thanks to all of the information posted here, I am now aware of the 'patient coordinators' (or whatever they call themselves) and the mark-up they have on the surgery. I tried calling Dr. Kuri's office directly, and they simply transferred me to JoAnne, his 'coordinator'. I've had the same experience with trying to call Rumbaut's office in Monterrey. So, ladies (and gentlemen) please help this 'newbie' figure out the trick to getting through to the surgeon's office directly. FYI, the quoted price for my …

Hi! My name is Pam and I was banded on 6/25. I was fortunate to meet Alex online and in person to help me make my decision to be banded. I am 2 weeks and a few days post-op and just making the transition to pureed food. I'm not all that hungry, which is a pleasant surprise and ecstatic about the 15 pounds I have lost during my liquid days! I am feeling good, still experiencing some soreness from my port, but it gets better each day. This recent loss, along with 35 pounds I lost on WW, brings me to an even 50 pounds. I also realized, that for the first time in a long time, I am less than 100 pounds heavier than my husband! My current challenge to myself- to get …

I created a Blog at Blog.com Its http://bandsters.blogspot.com/ I'll post on several boards and see what happens...

My name is Angie... I'm newly banded on on Monday August 9. The doctor said surgery went well, but now I'm home and think something may be wrong. I'm on a full liquid diet... so far I've only had Protein shakes and Water. Anytime I swallow anything, even sips of water or the liquid pain medicine, I hear two or three gurglin noises coming from my stomach. No matter how slowly I sip, the noises are still there. I don't feel nauseated or spit up, just like burping noises from the inside. Is this normal? How long will it last? I'm so glad to have found this forum. I'm from Cinti. Ohio and the lap band procedure has only been done here since Oct 2003, so there aren't…

I just heard some disturbing news from a friend of mine. She works for the surgery department at a teaching hospital and she spoke with the bariatrics doc there. He told her that 35% of bandsters have complications and that the FDA was going to revoke their approval of the band. Yikes!! Does anyone have any info on this.

I'm already filled to 2.75 and have been stuck at the same weight for over a month. I know I am not making the best choices and have been eating candy and other stuff. But while I am a bit restricted during the day I find I can eat a lot at night and it seems as nothing satisfies me. Should I go for another fill? I can eat bread, pasta and just about anything. Thanks for any imput you might have.

Hey guys I'm gonna be banded on the 9th of september and I'm really nervous...any suggestions on how to get through the next three weeks?

hello all, I've been reading these posts for over a year as I have been researching the best weight loss approach for me. I'm considering going to mexico for the lap-band procedure, and would love some opinions or does and don'ts. Who do you all recommend? I'd like to stay in a hotel, not someone's private home.

I am continually researching the lap-band and I was calling around today trying to find a follow-up doctor in my area (based on the advice of several of you guys). I called Hamilton Med. Center where Dr. Ponce is, in Dalton, Ga. The woman referred me to a website when I explained that I was self pay and wanted to go to Mexico. It seems that I can go to Dr. Ponce for about $13,800. It is done in an outpatient surgical center. So now I am reconsidering going to Mexico. Dalton is a 4 hour drive for me, but alot easier for me to get to than Mexico (and cheaper). Also, the fills are much cheaper if he does the surgery. I would love to hear from anyone that has been to Dr.…

I am going to try to send a couple of pictures a before (YUK!!!) and an after of a couple of months ago.

Hi Everyone! I'm so glad I found this site. I have done all the necessary tests, paperwork, etc., and am now waiting for insurance to make the final approval for my surgery!!! I'm trying hard to be patient! HAHA. I had to lose 23 lbs. before surgery...did anyone else have to lose weight first? I've got that off and am still going while I wait for everything to come through! I look forward to getting all these great ideas and support from this site! Rose

Hello, I just scheduled my surgery date for August the 25th. I am so excited, but very nervous. They put me on this protein drink, 3 times a day, and it is just awfull! I was wondering if there was any ideas out ther for what I could mix with it to make it go down better? So far I have mixed skim miilk and then another time I tried orange juice, but not really any luck with the taste. Also, I was jsut curious how long of a recovery time it took some people, like how many days was it before you were able to return back to work...Anybodys input would be very helpfull for me Any advise from any body who has just recenlty had the band, would be great too. Thanks :eek:

I was banded on 7/7/04. My 1st fill is going to be on Thursday 8/12. Up to this point I have fallen back into my old habit of night eating. I don't feel full often......will the 1st fill help me out in feeling full???

Hello All, I'm a newbe. I was banded 7/21/04, my band has no fill and am doing great. The first two weeks were difficult. Were any of you dizzy and weak? Now all is well and I have energy. It's amazing, I've even began to exercise (walk) but it is a start. I'm not terriable hungry, although it is a new sensation to feel hunger pains. I think about food all the time. I guess it's due to the liquid and mush diet. I'm measuring my food closely and do not intake more than 4oz. during my meals and do not snack in between meals. However, I'm concerned because I don't feel full..I make myself stop, but I fell like I could eat more. Is this normal to fill minimum …

Hello everyone. I am new to LapBand Talk. I was banded on July 15 and have lost about 23 lbs. It's so exciting to have this happening to me. I look forward to talking with you and sharing my journey. Regards, Mitzi