Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I am getting banned in 2 days. I am very excited, but I am having a hard time. My Doctor has me on all clear liquids I have been on these for 5 days now ..I am so hungry I am worried how I will stay on liquids after the surgery. Did others stay on liquids before the surgery?

Hi Everyone: I have an appointment with my PCP on 8/6, and I'm getting a little nervous (OK, and excited too!). I want to make sure that I get a referral for the Lap Band, and NOT for RNY. The insurance company says, "According to your contract with Kaiser Permanente, you do have benefits for Gastric Bypass surgery but will have to meet certain guidelines and an approved authorization for this procedure." When I asked Kaiser if they covered Lap Band, that was the response I received. So, I don't want them to say, "yes, we'll cover RNY, but no, we won't cover the Lap Band." Here's my situation. I'm 38, 5'3" and about 295 pounds. My BMI is over 40, so according to…

Hi All, Just wanted to introduce myself, as I am a new member, and am contemplating surgery with Dr. Kuri in TJ. Any comments on him and his work would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hello, I am so green about using any board like yours that I asked Alex for some guidance when I registered. (Idon't even know how to add a smiley face!) I have started the process toward lapbanding and am waiting to hear from my insurance company. Hopefully I will hear soon. I have been reading your board for several months and think you all do a wonderful job. Your success stories and information have been a real help in making this decision. Hopeful1

ok, so I am totally new here, confused on the tech end--but I am so worried! Need advice---I Do see that "leatha_g" has had a slippage issue...? leatha--what were your symptoms????!!!!--- I am banded going on 18 months, and life is just amazing, and I dont want anything to change. Lost 80. I am an extremist, and have had only one fill, with A LOT put in....almost 4cc's, on my request, because the band was doing NOTHING without a fill. Then the weight just slid off. I know, I know, I probably should have done it more gradually, but that's water under the bridge...it took a year to lose it all. so for 6 months, I am maintaining, and couldnt be happier....except when I "ove…

Hi everyone. I am a newbie researching the lap band. I have decided to have it done in Mexico because I am self pay. I have narrowed it down to Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana, Dr. Rumbaut in Monterrey and Dr. Rodriguez in Monterrey. I would appreciate any info on any of these docs. Experiences, good or bad. I am currently trying to educate my husband so that he doesn't think I'm trying to go get some illegal procedure down in Mexico. Hopefully he'll come around soon. I look forward to hearing from some of you guys. edistogirl2602

Hi everyone -- Recently, in a non-weight-loss context, my boss said, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." I've been thinking about that in relation to my 35 years of yo-yo dieting. This time I'm resolved to do something that will actually work, for real and for good. I know I can lose weight -- I've had tons of practice! -- but, as I'm sure most of you know, the trick is to keep it off, and that's where I've failed. I have been reading about the Lap Band for a couple of years now, and finally am ready to take the plunge. I discovered your great web site a few days ago and want to thank everyone for providing a great on-…

Hi, After researching this kind of surgery for the last 5 months I've decided to go with it. I'm not telling anyone other than my doctor at this point. I guess I've heard too many stories about poeple gaining their weight back. Anyway. I'm getting ready to have lap band surgery in Monterrey, Mexico. Has anyone else gone to Mexico for their surgery? I'm a little concerned about going out of country for this since I'll be alone. Anyone have any suggestions about where to stay? Is it nice? Is there a lot of pain after surgery? How long does it take to not be in pain? What kind of pain medication is necessary? I'm scared to do this but feel I have no other choice. I'…

Hello bandsters! I was close to getting RNY but have now changed my mind to getting banded. My ins doesn't cover the surgery so I'm paying cash. I am seriously considering Mexico but my biggest concern is getting fills here in the US. Flying back and forth to Mexico is not a reasonable possiblity. Do you know of any docs in the PA/NJ area that do fills? I am also willing to have the surgery done here in the US if I can find a doc that charges $15K or less if he/she is in my area. Most of the docs I've talked to charge around $20K which is about twice as much as in Mexico. Thanks in advance for your input!

Donali--- Ever since I read your e-mail about having to have your band taken out I've been fretting. What causes the erosion? Is it something you had control over? I am terrified of losing my band. I don't want to do ANYTHING to cause me to ever have to have it removed. I glory in your spunk that you have been able to continue with your weight loss. However, I want to keep my band FOREVER!!! :phanvan

Welcome to the board! Curious about eating food right away?? We have all had different instructions from our doctors, but generally we all have been on liquids like the first two weeks. Hmmmmm, I wondering what the purpose of liquids are, do you think it's just to ensure we don't stretch our new stomach or vomit or something. When I started mushy, I was scared I was going to do damage or something. And, my doctor put Tuna at like week 4 or 5. That seems mushy to me....any opinions?

Hi Everyone: I looked on the local support board for VA, and found nothing, so I thought I'd post here. I live in western Loudoun County, VA, near West Virginia and Maryland, and one hour west of Washington DC. I'm trying to find a good Dr. for the Lap Band surgery, and was hoping someone might have experience with Dr.s in the DC Metro area. BTW, my insurance is Kaiser Permanente. I asked them if they cover this surgery, and they said yes. Of course, they also said they would cover my home birth, and then denied the claim, and then paid the claim when my son was 8 months old! So, who knows how that will pan out. Thanks,

Hi everyone, I just found this web site. I am two weeks post op today. I just had my first adjustment today. I am doing well but just unsure what the future will bring. I will start to read posts on this website to learn more about living with the lap band. Chris

I have been reading your posts for 3-4 weeks now and feel kike I know each one of you. You are a great group of people. It was suggested by my Doctor about 6 months ago for me to get banded. I just didn't know enough about it to try it. I was scared to death about it, and I did nothing. Then one day, I found this board, and you all made it sound so good. I started thinking about it alot and just couldn't get it off my mind. When my Doctor suggested it, I had really good insurance that would have paid for it. Since then, my husband's company changed insurance, and this one won't pay for it, it states right in the book for coverage, no wls. Maybe when we get some …

Just take a minuite to introduce myself, Trish banded in March 1st. doing good so far Never PB'd or Slimed. Have lost 35lbs in 20 weeks. Only took 3 days off work to get my band. Have had 2 fills at .5 each. The doc wanted to go 1.0 both times but I was restricted a bit right from the start so I wanted to approach it slowley. (I guess I am more comfortable that way) Both of my fills did not hit me till 4 days latter! With the second one I know I would have gone with the 1.0 it would have been to much when it hit. I am so glad I did not go for more. If there is one thing I have learned this far it is that restriction is a very suttle thing. I also have be…

My these are large photos. Sorry but I did not properly resize them. Here is the after.

Hello, I just wanted to let the band community know more about me. Tomorrow will make two months since I have been banded though my weight loss has been steady I really am ready for a fill. I’m praying after I get the fill I will not eat as much. The problem I am running into is that I went out of the country to get my band and now and lot of Dr.s in my area are not willing to give me a fill so I guess I am feeling a little self defeated. It’s hard to see your weight go and then it completely slows down. I am staying positive I am counting to exercise and I have completly changed my eating habits. If anyone has any feedback on my message please respond.

Hi Everybody! Hope I'm doing this the right way - I'm not very savy when it comes to this kind of email chat stuff. I am scheduled for banding August 16th but I still have a few questions. What happens to our metabolism if we are eating so many less calories a day? Doesn't our bodies think we are in the "starvation" mode (like all of our past diets - I know, I know - this isn't a diet) and therefore, slow way, way down? When we begin with our exercise program does that help it speed up? Am I a dork and missing something here? Thanks to all on this board. I have been lurking in the background for a long time and have found many answers to questions, comfort f…

I had lapband surgery 9/18/03 and have lost 92 lbs. I could not be happier. I love the results and am enjoying life as a thinner person. People really do treat you differently. (Part of which makes me angry since I am the same person.) However, I can't change the nature of the beast so I will just enjoy the results. I would recommend this surgery to anyone who is tired of fighting the battle of the bulge and who is willing to make the adjustment of not living to eat any longer. You have to be emotionally ready for the change. It is a small sacrifice in my opinion for the results I have enjoyed so far during the past 10 months. I wish this opportunity had been ava…

I am 7 days post op, on full liquids. I am feeling much better, but have this heavy pain between my breasts that travels up my esophagus. Not really heartburn, but is relieved by burping. Any advice?

My Name is Kim (kimbucsue). I was banded on January 30th 2004 by Dr. Benavides in College Station, Tx (gig em Aggies). I am 42, 5'6", and my starting weight was 243. I currently weigh 228, with a loss of 15 pounds. My mini goal weight is under 190, which is the weight I was at when my husband and I started dating. Then 140pds as a final goal weight. I had this surgery for several reasons. Mainly the weight, of course. But secondly and probably more importantly, because of high blood pressure. My father died of a heart attack at the age of 39. And if that isnt scary enough, his sister, my aunt died of heart disease at 44, AFTER quad bypasses. So needless to say,…

Could anyone suggest a protein source in pill form etc. I am having some hardship taking tha Adkins shake.

Hi Everyone: I'm new here. I'm at the very beginning of this journey, and I'm doing a lot of reading about the Lap Band. I'll be meeting with my Primary Care Physician in a few days, and I'm trying to prepare for this meeting by becoming as informed as possible about the Lap Band. I've been reading a book called, "The Patient's Guide to Weight Loss Surgery: Everything You Need To Know About Gastric Bypass and Bariatric Surgery." It has been a very informative book, and while only a small portion of the book deals with the Lap Band, the book does have a few personal stories from people who have had the Lap Band surgery. Here are some things that were brought up, …

Hello All. I am new here, and new to this idea of lab banding. My wife recieved the roux en y procedure two years ago and has had good luck. She says that this is the way she would have went if she had the lap band option back then. Me? I'm researching, just starting the process to get surgery. I'll get either the roux en y or the lap banc, just gotta choose between the two. I'm hoping to learn enough about the lapband on this forum to help me make an informed decision. Thanks, and good luck to all.

Hi Everyone, I just got my band on July 26th. Just wanted to introduce myself. I've been researching this for a long time and finally made the big step. This site is great!

Hello everyone! I am so thankful to have found this site. I am still having a Great deal of pain, and difficulty swallowing pills.

I am off on the Quest for the band..lol I have just had my consult with a surgeon and I really like him. I have made an appointment to see the cardiologist, I am so afraid of that stress test what if they find something and I can't have the band placed, I also go to see the pulmonologist. The Doc. says i could have the surgery in about 3 months. Only problem is my Insurance most likely will not pay for it... I am so excited this could really be it for me. I am also so nervous. Glad I found this group tho. You have all been very inspiring and informative. Thanks Looking forward to being one of you..lol Amy

I am in the process of doing my pre-op workup and have several questions for band vets. 1. I am using an out of state surgeon. What have other people found with the surgery being done out of state? 2. Any body get approved by BCBS FL? 3. What can I expect( the brutal truth) for the first several weeks? THANKS TO ALL.

Hi everyone, I thought it was time for me to introduce myself. I joined this site early July and I have been checking it out for a few weeks. I was banded on June 17th, 2004 and to date I have lost 33 pounds. I am embarrassed to say that I really have not participated much. I really wanted to take this opportunity to say "thank you" to all of you guys who keep this web site going. Your questions, answers and advice has helped me so, so much. I found more information from your forums than I ever did from the doctors. Aside from feeling like a stalker, sitting back and reading all your conversations, I have to say I am so glad I found all of you. I never knew thi…

Hi my name is Diane 38yrs.old married w/5boys and living in Massachusetts. I have been reading so much about the lap band particularly have learned alot on this site. I have not been banded yet but,looking so forward to it. I have been very worried about my health at this point as it seems to not be doing so well due to my weight. Ive reached an all time high for me 300 pds. and it seems that my metabolism has slowed as I have aged. The battle to loose is even harder at this point. I just want to feel healthy again. I have already met w/my surgeon and she is great. I am going tommorow to have all the necessary tests done and referrals when that is finished which …

I was Banded on July 7 at 4pm and was up walking and drinking at 11:30pm. By 3 in the morning I wanted to go home. They let me leave for home at 7am, I felt fantastic. I cruised through the next 2 weeks and even cheated a little and my little pouch punished me for that. I went for my 2 week post-op last wednesday and had lost 17 pounds and they were very impressed at my progress. I was told to start on 4oz of soft solid foods 3 times a day. I am starved all the time and feel like I haven't had surgery. I can eat almost anything and could easily consume more than 4 oz and not feel full at all. I have been eating about 5 -6 times a day. This doesn't seem right. My n…

Hi, I'm new to this board, so bear with me. I have had my band almost 2 years and am now suffering from very bad acid reflux but only after being in bed several hours. Has anyone else had this happen? Thanks, Mack

I will definately take your advice and crush those darn pills. Once again, I am so glad to have found this site.

Hi everyone, I just got banded on 7/22/04. Never thought I could do the liquid only phase, but I am on day 6 and going strong! Trying to get used to all the burps and gurgling, but I guess thats just HELLO restriction, huh? Would love to hear about where everyone is at with their banding. Hope everyone is in for the long haul, I can really use the support. Happy Banding!

46lbs in 11 weeks???:cool: No fill?? You are doing great! I had to start another thread so I didn't hijack the other. I bet you are feeling awesome!! Keep it up girl!! :banana :Bunny :banana :Bunny :banana :Bunny :banana :Bunny :banana :Bunny :banana :Bunny :banana :Bunny :banana :Bunny

Here are before pics of me.

Hello fellow "lap banders". My name is Cindy and I am from Ohio. I had my band put in on June 16 th of this year. At my one week dr. appt I had lost 26 pounds, which amazed me and my doctor. I know this will not be the case as time passes...but it sure was a nice way to get started. My next weigh in is on thursday.... ( I have decided only to weigh in on my dr. scale) I was the largest BMI that my surgeon had ever done. He was very pleased how everything went. I have been overweight all my life and have done every diet known to man... well .. not all.. but darn near all. LOL I was on the phen-fen and lost 150 pounds only to gain it a…

Hello to all- new to this site. I started seriously considering wls about 4 months ago and was looking into the lap-band, went to a seminar from CORI and the Dr was pretty Pro-RNY and sort of pooh-poohed the lap band (he was 1/2 the team who patented the sapala-wood pouch.) After listening to his views I was really hyped up on the RNY proceedure and have put the ball in motion. My problem, as things really started to move along, I have been finding that I am having serious second thoughts about rearranging my intestines. I am 120lbs over my ideal and have issues with sore joints, reflux, back pain and varicous veins, but am overall relatively healthy. My family ha…

I just found out about this site and heard many positive things about it. I was banded on 6/10/04 and did not know any other bandsters. Because I didn't know anyone, I would call the doctor's office with all my concerns. My husband told me that if they got tired of me calling, they would take my band out! He was just kidding, but I'm glad I have others who I can talk to about some of my concerns.

I thought I would pass this info along. There is a new Lapband support message board. You can join by going to www.lapbandforum.com There will eventually be live chats with Lapband experts, etc.! Sandy

Hi everyone. My name is Maureen. Iwas banded on 3/17/04 by Dr. Leon Katz and Dr.Glen Fitterman on Long Island, New York. To date I have lost 35.5 pounds. Hope to get encouragement and support from everyone. I can't wait to get to know everyone. Maureen:p

Hiya! I was recently told about this site and wish I had found it four months ago when I was first banded. I am really looking forward to find lots of folks on the banded journey, to talk about all the crazy things we are experiencing.

HI GIRLS, YOU ALL HAVE BEEN SO HELPFUL, WITH YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS IT IS SO MUCH APPRECIATED. I GUESS I DID NOT INTRODUCE MYSELF VERY WELL IN THE OTHER FORUM. SO HERE I GO. I AM HAPPILY MARRIED TO A WONDERFUL MAN WHO HAS LOVED ME THRU THICK AND THIN & BACK TO THICK LOL!!!WE HAVE 3 CHILDREN JOSH 26 CODY 14 AND CHELSEA 13. I LIVE IN A RURAL AREA OF THE UPPER PENNISULA OF MICHIGAN,IN THE OTTAWA NATIONAL FOREST, YUP WE ARE" IN DA WOODS" SO WE WILL BE TRAVELING TO GREEN BAY WISCONSIN FOR MY SURGERY NO ONE IN THE U.P. DOES THIS SURGERY, AND THIS IS THE CLOSEST PLACE WE COULD GO VERSUS DOWN STATE MICHIGAN, WHICH WOULD BE MUCH FARTHER THAN THE 3 HOURS WE WILL DRI…

HELLO EVERYONE, THANK YOU FOR THE WARM WELCOME. I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT AFTER THE SURGERY, ONLY 12 MORE DAYS TILL I AM ON THE LOOSING SIDE. I HAVE READ AT VARIOUS SITES THAT YOU SHOULD INVEST IN A RECLINER, FOR SLEEPING ,BUT I NO THIS WAS FOR THE GALS WHO HAVE HAD THE RNY PROCEDURE. I HAVE A WATERBED, AND WONDER IF I NEED TO PURCHASE ONE? I AM SUPPOSE TO HAVE THE LAP BAND , DONE LAPORSCOPICLY (SORRY ABOUT SPELLING) SO WONDER IF YOU ALL HAD ANY PROBLOMS SLEEPING, GETTING OUT OF BED ECT.... HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU ALL SOON!! LISA LEE

I am new to the boards. I pm'ed one member and she recommended that I speak with as many people as possible. I live in Oregon and am researching the lap band surgery. The more info I get the more confused I get. I am looking at US and Mexico doc. Does anyone have any 'stories' or recommendations for a person that is self-pay but wants the BEST surgeon and start to this process? I also need leads on local fill/follow-up doctors in Oregon or Washington. Thank you all in advance for any advice you can provide.:ermm

I have been looking at Hospitals in Mexico. I am about 50 pounds over weight and I understand they do the Surgery with a low BMI there. I will need to pay cash for my Surgery. I have struggled most of my life to not gain anymore weight that I have. To most of you it may seem like I don't weight enough but it have really effected my self esteem. Have any of you had any experience with a Surgery in Mexico or had the Surgery and have a low BMI?

Just wanted to say Hi to everyone. I am 51 years old...married 32 years to my best friend! He totally supports me in all of this. We live in Buna, Tx. My neuro surgeon suggested I do this and wrote a letter and then it was BOOm BOOm and everything fell into place. My insurance paid 100%. I had lapband May 26, 2004. The first month I lost 28.5 pounds. This month I was hungry ALL the time and gained 2. I got my first fill today. For those of you out there that have had a fill..will I feel different? Will my hunger pains go away? Would love to hear from any of you! i need encouragement!!:cry

Hi from Sunny Valencia California! I'm a 41 yr old female - 5'7, 280lbs. and ready to take control of this issue once and for all. Have read up on the different WLSurgeries out there, and feel Lap-Band makes the most sense for my situation. Looking forward to finding out as much info as I possibly can, and hopefully a successful surgery in the near future. B:)

Hi everyone, my surgery is scheduled for July 23 and I'm starting to get a little nervous Janis

Been lurking here for several weeks. Feel like I already know you regulars! My town finally has a lapband surgeon and I went to his first seminar on June 30th. I had already been doing a little research on it, so was thrilled that we finally have a surgeon here in the home town. At the seminar, we were told to get all of our ducks in a row (all the documentation for insurance purposes) before we make an appointment to see the surgeon, so that is where I am now. Went to the PCP and got a letter of medical necessity, requested records from previous diet dr., etc... Waiting, waiting, waiting!!!! I have UHC POS, and have heard that UHC is band friendly. We will s…