Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi, I am new to this forum. I am scheduled to be banded next week by Dr. Lopez in Mexico. I hope to get lot of advice from everyone. I definately need it.

:banana I am so happy because I have been waiting to be banded for over a year. As you read my stats at the bottom, I have been monitoring every ounce. I just had my first fill on Monday, April 5 (2.5 cc). I didn't think it was restricting me because I never felt full until yesterday. I also found out I lost weight! (6 lbs. in the last 2 weeks) Yippeee! My surgery was outpatient and I was back to work in a week. I've had no problems at all and thank God everyday that my appearance is changing. My friends and co-workers are constantly complimenting me on how good I look. My knees don't hurt anymore and I can breathe when I walk as well. This is the best m…

Okay everyone, I was banded on 2/27/04 and I am having my first fill tomorrow. I am slightly nervous. What am I to expect? Will I be back on Clear liquids again? Does it hurt? Will I feel restriction right away? Right now I have little to no restriction, I basically can eat whatever I want, which I don't like. I have only lost about 15 pounds during this "healing" phase, and sometimes I wonder if it was all worth it. I have read that you really aren't even suppose to be losing weight until you have gotten your first fill, is that true? I just want to be successful with this banding, I would hate to think I went through all of this for nothing!! I guess I am just…

i just found this site . i was banded last aug 25,2003 and i started out at 306 and as of today i am down too 245 so that is 61 bls and i fell great . i have had one fill and that was 1.5 in dec 23,2003 and still doing very good about 2 lbs every week . i just got reed of my size 3xs clothes (that was very hard for me to do ) but i sure do like it when people see me that has not seen me i awhile and tell how great i look and every time i go over too my sister house her husband has too take a picture of me and puts it in his computer and shows me the file to show me how much i am melting as he calls it . my family is very supportive.

thank you all for the welcomes i think this is going too be a very nice place too come and talk too people thank you for the new support

i am new here today i hurd about this site on the obesity com so i came here too see whats up so i am going too look around and see whats up

I was banded on Thurdsay morning by Dr Anthony Boutt in Michigan. The surgery went smoothly and for the most part I am pain free. My biggest problem at the moment is I'm not sure if I am "full" or if it is gas pressure on my diaphragm. I feel like I really need to (pardon the expression) BELCH and I can't - is that normal?? I know, it takes getting used to!! :

My wife and I were banded yesterday here in Florida by Dr. Grossbard. She went first, ladies first after all, and I went right after her. Stayed over night in the hospital and discharged today. I have been reading here for 3 months now and have learned a lot regarding foods, the gas afterwords and a lot more. My wives gas settled at the bottom of the rib cage. Mine seems to go around my lungs and into each shoulder. Walk, walk, walk, I know. We were both up and walking 1 hour after surgery. First night in hospital was tough for both of us. Couldn't get comfortable and could only lay on the back. Hospitals air conditioning broke down all night as well which didn't help. Fi…

Hi All, I am back newly banded 4-2-04. I am wondering why I do not have more energy. On my 4th day post op I felt great. I must admit I did a lot of things around the house and I probably overdid just a bit. Then I was so tired yesterday (slept alot) and today is better but not the same as Tuesday. I read all the archives and there seemed to be a lot of people who went back to work 3 days after surgery. I did have some problems in surgery with adhesions so it took longer and I was allergic to anesthesia so I awoke sick as a dog. I am feeling like a wimp! I usually bounce back quickly from everything. I know I am older that a lot of people and that could co…

does lapband work i know its safer than than bypass the results are good for bypass but rather have safer thing

Hi Everyone, I am in the process of creating a website for my family and to document my WLS journey. Keep in mind that it is a work in progress and some of the pages are not complete... well... most are not...lol. It was very hard for me to post my picture for all to see but hopefully I'll be able to update that picture in the following months after banding. This is link to my WLS page... http://home.new.rr.com/nightingalesnest/WLS_Journey.htm Darcy

That has been the question for the last couple months...at least in the eyes of my family. I have been working hard to convince my DH and my mother that I really need and want this procedure and that it is the right decision for me. I wanted them both on board because I love them and because I really need their support. Also, my mother is my financer for the surgery (I am self-pay), so I felt it was important that she had a good understanding of what I was proposing. Of course, their concerns did not stop me from scheduling my initial surgery date with my surgeon of choice. I am now slated for an April 29th surgery with Dr. Ortiz in TJ, Mexico. However, that date…

Hey everyone! My name is cynthia and I just celebrated my 5 year bandiversary yesterday. I was an FDA trial patient in 1999. I weighed 340 pounds and have lost 210 pounds and have kept it off for about 3 years. The band is the greatest thing that ever happened to me! Anyway, just thought I would introduce myself! Cynthia

Hi, I am thinking about having the lap band done but am really unsure as to finding a doctor. I know people who have had the bypass but not the band. What is the best way to go about trying to find a doctor? This is something that I have struggled with for a long time because this stomach surgery stuff really scares me but being 5'8 and 370 pounds has become even worse and I want my life back !! Amy

hello my name is Joyce. I just found out I have been apprve for the lap band. I am soooooo excited but very nerious. If anyone can give me advise or help me know what to exspect when I come out of sugery that would be a blessing. thanks Joyce jjfredericks4@aol.com

Hi, I was banded 6-22-02 and my hubby was banded in Oct. 2003. Both in TJ with Dr. Lopez. I initially lost about 40 lbs and then maintained for 1 1/2 yrs. My hubby lost 35 lbs and has only 25 more to go. I finally got a good fill and have lost another 12 lbs and have 40 more to go. We are both happy with the band for the most part and have not had any complications. I really like the flexability the band gives, I can take a break and not really gain much. I do struggle with the fact that all the bad things like chips and ice cream and chocolate go down even when tight, but that's a trade off. I probably couldn't live without them! I have some problem getting down prote…

i have a question if a person has the bypass or staples etc ...can they still become pregant and has a healthy baby ...I know with the band you can

I AM GOING TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ON THE 1ST OF JULY TO GET THE BAND DONE BUCAUSE IT IS ALOT CHEEPER OVER THERE I'M 5'5 AND AT 210 AND I MADE UP MY MIND I AM GOING BUT MY WORRY IS ....AM I GOING TO HAVE TO FLY OUT THERE EVERY TIME I NEED A FILL OR HOW CAN I FIND A DOCTOR FOR FILLING IN MY HOME TOWN ...tHANKS :phanvan

I AM GOING TO TEH DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ON THE 1ST OF JULY TO GET THE BAND DONE BUCAUSE IT IS ALOT CHEEPER OVER THERE I'M 5'5 AND AT 210 AND I MADE UP MY MIND I AM GOING BUT MY WORRY IS ....AM I GOING TO HAVE TO FLY OUT THERE EVERY TIME I NEED A FILL OR HOW CAN I FIND A DOCTOR FOR FILLING IN MY HOME TOWN ...tHANKS :phanvan

Hey All! Its nice to find a new spot for Bandsters. Its really great to be able to share my experiences with others who know what I'm going through. I was banded on Jan 9th. I started out 286. Since than I've lost 38 pounds to my current weight of 248. Unforunately I've been on a plateau for the last three weeks. I go for my second fill this coming Thursday April 1st. I hope that helps me. I hope to at least reach 230 by June.

Hi I went to my informational meeting in Crosby, MN. on October 6th, 2003. The Dr.'s said if you are serious about this you need to get on the Atkins and lose some weight before your approval. On October 7th I started Atkins. I had surgery on 2/3/04 in Crosby, MN with Dr. McCollister ( he is very good). Before surgery I lost 40 #"S and since another 20#"s. I am very pleased with the weight lose, although if I look at myself I can't see it as much. I think I still look the same. :Bunny :rambo Go figure! I have my first fill tomorrow, I am looking forward to it. Tammy

Help! I'm scheduled for surgery on April 29 and am going to be paying 40% of surgeon, 20% hospital (at MMH out-pt.) After deductibles Can anyone give me a ball park of what their surgical bills and hospital bills were like (anesthia too if applic.) I'm a single mom and dolalrs are tight but I really really want this done....Any hlep is really appreciated. Excited and anxious....

Okay, I am new here. I am 25 years old and have a 20 month old son named Ethan, who is the love of my life I currently weigh 346 pounds (according to scales at Weight Watchers). I am taking Effexor XR for depression which has caused an increase of weight (about 20 pounds). For about 5 or 6 months now I have been thinking about having the lapband procedure done. The only thing, I am terribly afraid of death. I had a c-section with Ethan and had my gallbladder removed in 1997 but I am still afraid I would die during surgery or soon afterwards. When are you "out of the clear" as far as dying from a blood clot or something?? Also, do you have to be put to sleep to hav…

I'm new to this site; new to the whole web support system. I've been banded for a year, lost 40 lbs., then hit a plateau for about six months, then gained back 5 lbs. Panic set in, so I found a support group and info about these websites. Those 5 lbs are almost gone again, and I'm learning lots from people on obesityhelp.com also. I'm looking forward to getting to know you!

I am just getting started in the process of considering Lap-Band surgery. At nearly 400# I know I have to do something and my options are running out. Here are a few of the issues I also have to consider. 1. My mother died of complications from one of the early Bypass surgeries in the early 70's. 2. I'v had 6 back surgeries and live in chronic pain due to failed back surgeries. 3. IGA Nephrology limits Protein intake due to its stress on kidney function. 4. Overall health is starting to fail gradually. 5. At 50 years old I am not young any more. Anyway, I am glad to be here and will be deciding soon what to do.

Hi Everyone, A little bird told me this was a very good site to find information and support for the banding procedure! I'm 36, married with one dear daughter and am just starting the process towards having WLS. I should be scheduling an appointment with Dr. Chua in April and will be hoping that my insurance isn't one that considers the Lap Band experimental as I really can't imagine doing the RNY. I've been overweight most of my life and am so hoping to be able to join the banded ranks so that I can have a tool that will not only help me lose but also keep the weight off. There is so much of life that I am missing. Heading for Health Darcy

Hi Guys very happy to have joined you!, I was banded in Tijuana,Mexico by dr. verboonen, on September 23,2003 and have sice then lost 170 lbs! I am so excited! and so proud of myself for takig this step! I had no complications and no trouble with th food part and I am happy to report I can shop at the skinny people stores now hehe:D I went from a six "X" in shirts to a two "X" and from 62 waist size to size 50 Waist size I mean I have alot more to go but let me tell you Iam almost there! I hope I don't sound like I am bragging or something but god it really feels good to have a total other person lifted off you you know what I mean, I had alot of problems when I was big…

Hello everybody!! I was finally banded on March 3rd, 2004. After many set backs (since Dec 2002) I am on the other side!! Although I really have not lost much weight, I am ok at the moment. After reading a lot of posts about pre-fill weightloss, it has kinda knocked me out of my depression. I have lost 5 lbs and that is more than I would have, had I not been banded. My doctor was Hadar Spivak (formally out of Baytown). He just recently moved his practice to Houston on a full time basis. He has done over 600 bands and was one of the physicians who participated in the US Trials. I believed that he may have done some bands in Mexico before the Trials. Just wanted to s…

And its ... Monday, April 26, 2004!!!!! 15 months of waiting, praying, ... well, you all know the routine ... have FINALLY paid off! Staci Pre-Op (but not for long!) 267/229/No longer MO

HELLO EVERYONE, I AM SEARCHING FOR INFORMATION. I AM REALLY INTERESTED IN THE LAP-BAND. I FEEL LIKE THIS WAS INVENTED FOR ME. I LIKE ALL OF THE READING AND SITES I HAVE FOUND ON THIS. I LIVE IN OHIO, MY NAME IS GAY. I HAVE A DR. APPOINTMENT FOR THE 30TH TO ASK MY DR ABOUT A REFERRAL. I AM NERVOUS BUT EXCITED AT THE SAME TIME.MAYBE THERE IS HOPE FOR ME YET, I CAN ONLY PRAY FOR THE RIGHT DIRECTION.I WOULD BE GLAD FOR ANY ADVISE OR INSTRUCTION ANY ONE CAN GIVE ME..THANKS FOR LISTENING GAY

Hi name is Holly and I am new to this site. I was banded in June of 2003 By dr. Brown in Pueblo Co. I think I am the only person in My city with a lap band. I actually live in New Mexico so I drive about 5 Hours for my fills. Obviously there are no support groups for me here so I use the online ones and have found them very helpful. I just came across this one and am excited to find more support out there. I have lost 40 lbs. but have been stalled for a few months and am ready to get back at it. I have about 30 more to go. I will go for a fill next week and hope to be on the losing track again soon. I look forward to our journey together!

Hello, Iam from MN and going to have lap band surgery. I have family that has had it done and love it. I will be going to Mexico to have it done. I'am a self pay too. I have a date of the 5th of June I'am so excited. Iam trying to learn all I can. I live on a farm. I will be glab to lose the weight then I can ride. Doing chores are a chore if you know what I mean. It will be great not having to huff and puff to do them. So here I'am getting ready for a new life.

I went to my doctor (Spievak in Houston) and was found to qualify as a candidate for the Lap Band surgery which made me incredibly happy and excited. A month and a half later I still have no news about my insurance if my surgery was approved or denied, if they will pay or not or how much. Does it normally take this long? I'M FRUSTRATED, I FINALLY MUSTERED UP ALL THE COURAGE I COULD FIND AND THIS DELAY IS MAKING ME NERVOUS AGAIN.

Maybe I should make my message shorter. Does anyone know why the rest of my stomach wouldn't grumble when it's empty after having surgery?

I hope everyone is doing well in their progress with the band! I had my band in November 2002. I have now lost a total of 125 lbs!!! my only problems are exercising ! I hate to exercise at a gym but as far as being active I am very active. I am also needing a full body lift. I just wonder how long I should wait before getting anything done?!? I thought that I would be happy after losing weight ,but now I look at myself and see all of this skin hanging everywhere and I am starting to get depressed about that!!

Well, I don't really know what to say. Hi, m name is Brooke I am scheduled to have my banding on the 8th of April. I'm 19 and I am really excited about the banding my mom had the gastric bypass in november but i think this will be better for me. I hope. I suppose that is all for now. thanks. Brooke

Hi all, Well i was banded last Monday afternoon expecting to be in the OR 50min and home the next morning. The DR found a large hernia and said it would have caused my band problems within a couple of months so he took care of that and that lead to another night at the hospital. My swallow test was good the morning after surgery. Wed. morning I felt very bloated and when the DR arrived he started throwing out instructions and had be back to X-ray so fast. He took another swallow test all was well w/the band..no slippage, no turning, perfect postion........another x-ray showed air in the lower stomach & intestine and it was near rupture !!!!!!!!!! Right there he inser…

My sister and I were banded on 2/24/04, after a long waiting period. Our surgeon, Frank Borao in Long Branch, NJ, has the best reputation in the area; so, we felt he was worth waiting for. He's a great laporoscopic surgeon, but he has no one at his bariatric surgery office who has been banded or bypassed, and the staff just can't answer our nitty-gritty post-op questions. That's why I'm glad I found all of you. Suddenly, I feel like I am surrounded by the best people in the world. I am sharing this surgery with all of you, my sister, my husband, my son, and my best friend. That's it. I have no intention of answering the questions of the naturally thin population in our wo…

HI, I'm a Brit and was banded on 3/1/04. I weighed 289lbs. BMI 41.5. So far, 20lbs down. I've had one fill and have another one scheduled for next week. I am still eating far too much but feel better than I have for years. I am going to the gym and have started a Pilates class. I think that my mind set has changed which has helped tremendously. Before the op, I would have 'head dreams' which I thought would never become reality but now I know they can. I will be able to ride my beautiful Andalusian stallion, I will be able to wear cool clothes in the summer, I will be able to shop in Marks & Spencer. I will be comfortable in a cheap airline seat! These foru…

hi there im banded only 3 days now and it has been ok only minamal pain on the insisions but the real pain is everywhere else, cant stop burping up a lot of gas and it really hurts!! but my doctor informed me that a clear liquid diet was broth, water gatorade if i wanted (not to much) , yogart, apple sauce, andensure protein drinks. im reading alot about others not metinong this kinda stuff am i eating the wrong things can someone help me?

Good afternoon All, I am looking into banding and want to know if anyone has a recommendation for a doctor in the South Florida area. I, unfortunately, had to switch back to Humana HMO after being on the PPO for years due to school board issues in the county I work for. Therefore, I'm not sure if anyone can help with locating a good doctor, since I would have to go with whoever Humana says. How do I find out about the doctor, once I know who it is? Is there a place I can research that doctor's record and surgeries? Also, I'm really curious about the lap band and have many questions. The first is, how is it that the rest of my stomach doesn't growl when it's empty? …

Hello everyone! I am 5'5" and weigh in at 235. I have scheduled surgery for March 11 and am very excited to finally get this done. I originally began looking into this in Sept. of 2003, and everything is now falling into place. I worry about getting enough protein and how my husband will react to my healthier lifestyle after surgery. He is overweight as well, but not ready to make a change. My biggest goal is to reduce or eliminate my insulin needs after surgery... it has been a rough road being overweight and diabetic. Can someone clue me in on what "PB" means?? I don't mean to be ignorant, but I was browsing a little and saw that abbreviation used a couple of ti…

Yeppers ya got it I am new to here and new to the idea of getting Lap-banded. I live in Alaska, I am a male, *noticed from reading around here seem to be lots of ladies so be gental with me please* and I will be a self payer *or what ever you call that* Sorry for such a short post I am very excited to be here and have a ton of question but I am on my way out the door as of right now so I guess they will have to wait till later tonight. Hope to get to know you all and talk to all of you soon, Sam

Hi everyone! I have been reading this forum for about a week now. So, I thought I should jump in and introduce myself. I was banded 9/30/2003, so if anyone else has started an email loop for September bandsters I would love to join! I have lost 12lbs so far. I thought the surgery was very easy. The only pain I had came from my IV blowing. The hospital was great. The pre-op staff were the most kind and caring people I have ever met. A few people at the hospital had some misconceptions, but hey, so did I before I started on this journey. I only stayed over night at the hospital. I wanted to go home the same day, but they had to do the upper GI before they would …

I'm just starting on my journey to weightloss for GOOD. I've dieted the same 10 pounds off about a million times the past 10 years. Once I even lost 37lbs but gained it back in 3 years. No surprise there, huh? I need something that will be with me 24/7 and remind me to keep it short and simple, in other words no elaborate meals or snacking. I have a heart problem so that's something I want to take care of. I feel that if I lose enough weight that my heart will last me a longer time before surgery. Well, here I go.........!

Hi to all, Its been awhile since I last posted to the board, but I'm back. I've been trying to adjust to being a bandster I was band on 11/18/03, I'm still growing with my band and what it is that I need to do in order to lose the weight. So far I have lost 40lbs and thats been with out a fill I just received my first fill on 3/2/04. I was unable to receive a fill because I had problems with my Port which was replace on 3/2, my port had become dislocated and flip and no adjustments could be make so I had to have surgery to repair it and it was decided that I need a new one. My fill was only 1/2cc and I can tell that I have one because its like learning all over ag…

I am new to the to the forum. I am considering getting the surgery next month. I have been reading everyone's comments and appreciate them so much. It is very comforting to have people who have had the experience to share with everyone else. I am excited and scared all at the same time. I am looking forward to a new way of life. I have to contain myself to keep from running, jumping up and down and hollering. Thank ya'll for being there.

I have to be at the hospital today at 12:30 and surgery is at 2:30 ! Will this morning ever end ?? I had hoped it would be really early this morning but playing on the computer will make the time pass fast !! Talk to you all in a couple of days !!

Just heard about your forum and that I'd join. My name is Jane and I was Banded on 1/9/04 and I'm down 38 lbs so far! :banana:

Dr. Grossbard in Dade City placed the band on Friday. Now at home, a little pain not bad. Went really fast. Sat in a semiar in Jan, seen the Dr in Feb and Banded Mar. United Health Care covered it. I was a little shocked when I did not have to fight it out with UHC. Got the approval right away..... Thanks Dr. Grossbard and your staff.