Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Just stopped by to say hi, banded 10/13/03. Maria

I am brand new to this forum. I had LapBand done on 9/15/03, and would like to talk to others and find out how they have done with it and how many fills before they really felt that "tight" feeling I have been told will happen.

Greetings Everyone ~~ I've not posted on this board but have been regularly visiting. My questions is that my surgery was on October 2nd and I am scheduled for my first fill on December 5th. I wanted to wait until after Thanksgiving because my husband is the only one who knows I had the surgery. I just don't want to deal with our families' criticism and be put under the microscope. Back to my question, my doctor's office said that it is not necessary for me to be on a restricted diet (ex. clear/full liquids) pre- & post- the fill. What are your doctor's recommendations?? Thank you in advance. :ermm

I AM HAVING LAP BAND SURGERY THIS MONDAY AT WILLIAM BEAUMONT HOSPITAL BY DR ZOE DEOL AND I'M GETTING A BIT NERVOUS AND EXCITED ALL AT THE SAME TIME. THIS IS MY FIRST TIME POSTING A MESSAGE HERE BUT I HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING WITH YOU GUYS THIS LAST MONTH AND FOUND IT VERY HELPFUL. I HAVE A 17 YEAR OLD SON AND A 1 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WHO WAS A 20 WEDDING ANIVERSARY SUPRISE! MY HUSBAND IS BEING VERY SUPPORTIVE AND HAS NEVER MADE MY WEIGHT AN ISSUE. WE BOTH ARE IN OUR 40S AND I'M BEING TIRED OF PEOPLE ASKING ME IF CHRISTA IS OUR GRANDCHILD. SHE IS ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS I AM GOING THRU THIS. I WANT TO BE AROUND FOR HER AND BE ABLE TO GO OUTSIDE AND PLAY OR TAKE HER PLACES AND NOT…

Hi all I am new to the board and am having my surgery Nov.25th and Dr.Pedro Kuri is doing my surgery.I am nervous but VERY excited as well. Caroline

Hello all- I had my lap-band done laproscopically 10/27/03. I went through the surgery okay and have lost about 30 lbs. Now I am beginning to get a little discomfort around my port area. It seems to be bulging out slightly. Has anyone had this problem? Is it just still healing? Thanks for your imput!! Dan

Hi everyone! Thank you so much to everyone who posts and provides such wonderful information for all us newbies and for others who just need the support. It does my heart good to see everyone who takes time out of their lives to post to this sight in hopes of helping others. I am the mother of a 14 year old girl who has a BMI of 46. We have found a wonderful surgeon in Joplin, Missouri and have been through everything necessary for approval. We are now waiting on the insurance company. I know my insurance covers bariatric surgery but I don't know if they will approve for a minor. My daughter is Bi-polar and ADHD and taked meds for these. I am hoping this too wil…

ive sent papers to the doctor who does sugery and tol i want lap band i dont care for the other,my question is does it really work and does it keep you from eating i need to lose weight my bmi 48 thank u

Hi All, I am being banded in NYC on Dec. 29th by Dr. Kurian. I just finished reading all the posts that occurred after I posted and it made me feel so good and so postive (until I got to Jimmy's unfortunate episode). I was wondering if anyone knows the numbers on surgery problems? Is it common or a fluke if the band slips or a person becomes totally blocked? Does it depend on the experience of the surgeon. I guess you have figured out that I very nervous--not about the surgery, but about being able how to figure out how to eat without PBing. Is PBing just unpleasant or can a person actually choke? I have read twice on these posts that no questions are dumb, and pl…

Well just found this site tonight and dont know much bout it -- been on Spotlight for past6 weeks. Banded Oct 1st and was fully blocked for 13 days- not that bad- felt great and lost 18 lbs / 24 so far. Ill just sit back and view for a while till I get to know LBT and the members. Lookin forward to the future !! JimmyC

Hello all, I am new to the Lap-Band Forums and wanted to say "Hi" to everybody. I live in Southern Indiana and am scheduled for my surgery on 12/1/03 with Dr. Jeff Allen in Louisville, Kentucky. I am excited about the reality of a "whole new me" emerging from all of this process. I've already browsed some of the posts, and you really have some good stuff going on here. Hopefully I can be a help to someone as I progress along my journey of being a BANDSTER!!! Tom 343/too darn much/234 (I want to beat that last number though)

Hello to everyone. I was banded November 5, 2003. Today, I am 7 days post-op. I have lost 6 pounds. This liquids phase though is tough. I think sometimes what did I do. (lol...) But I know in the long run this is the best decision I have ever made. One more week of liquids I am so lookin forward to some mushy food. I am 33 and a single mother. One child Brianna (8). I want to be healthy for her and me. I am 5 ft 3 1/2 and weighed 278 the day of my surgery. I live in Dayton, tx it's about 40 miles east of Houston, TX. This site is great it has answered alot of questions that I have had by me reading other posts. TTYL, Deb

Hello All, I'm in the pre-op phase of Lab-Band Surgery....still consulting and waiting. But in the next few weeks things should be more clear...and I should have a Surgery Date. Thats about all for now I guess!

I'm new to this....bear with me! I'm researching the band surgery, found this website and think I'll be here often. Everyone seems very supportive of everyone else. I actually went for a pre-cert visit for the RNY surgery and submitted to my insurance, but backed out, it just seemed a whole lot more drastic a change than I was willing to go for. I have been heavy all my life, come from a big catholic and german family background, when our family gets together for reunions it's all about FOOD. My mother weighs over 350 pounds, she's 5' 3" tall. My dad weighs a good 275 or more. My older brother is probably 280 or better. I'm 5' 6" and weigh 308. My family has high blood pr…

Hi all, Tomorrow is my first appointment in this process and I would have to say that there is a feeling of nerves and excitement going through me at the moment. I know that this will change my life in many different ways however will I like those changes ?? I guess only time will tell. Let me introduce myself. My name is Narelle and I come from the sunny Gold Coast in Queensland Australia. I am 32 years old and have been overweight my whole entire life. This process has been on my mind for many years but up until now I have not had the courage to do anything about it. That changes tomorrow. If there is anyone out there who is in the same predictament I would lo…

hi all, i was banded july 21, my top weight was 315 as of this morning i now weigh 246, i hope to weigh around 150, i read some of the post and learned alot, my biggest worry now is i am wanting a coke so bad but i am scared, which is probable a goooood thing

I'm scared to death one minute & then happy the next. My heads playing games right now. Want to run & hide. But its took to all to get here. 6 months just for the dr. app. Then waiting for the surgery date. & all the pre-test. Plus the paper work. No turning back, just got to keep running forward. Wish me luck.:cry

Hello, My name is Jacque (jackie) and new to this site. I was banded on Oct 6, 2003 by Dr. Pilcher in San Antonio, Texas. I am from Austin, Tx. I am a 35 (soon to be 36) single mother of 2 girls. I have the Swedish Adj Band. I was banded through a research study. I feel very lucky especially after reading all the post about people having trouble with insurance, and insurance not paying. I did not qualify under my insurance for the band because I am a pretty healthy obese person. I wanted to do something before I started having the health problems. I was lucky to hear about the research study and qualify for it. As of my last weight in which was the 5th of this month I ha…

Hi Carmen and Ginger, Thanks for your replies. My outlook seems to change daily about my impending (sounds so negative!) banding. I am, of course, excited and hopeful, but some days I just can't seem to believe that I am really going to do this. Some days I picture myself thinner and think about all the advantages, and some days I get discouraged and think that there is no way this will ever work--nothing else has. And some days I get scared thinking of PBing and how I might at the least embarrass myself or at the worst choke. I am a control freak and do not deal well with the unknown. I have conversations with myself daily that it is like any other change, and I w…

Hi, my name is Traci and I live in beautiful northern Minnesota. I'm actively researching the Lap Band as a tool to assist me in ridding my body of its excess weight and becoming healthier. I am attending an informational session in Crosby, Minnesota later this month. My husband is also considering the band, but we don't know if he would be eligible because at the age of 31 he has already had a back fusion due to a work related accident. The extra weight he is carrying around isn't helping his back much either. I'm an avid stock car racing fan and like to enjoy the natural wonders of northern Minnesota. I'm also pursuing my bachelor's degree online, so my free tim…

Greetings to All, I am scheduled to be banded on Dec. 29 in NYC with Dr. Kurian. I have been doing much research and I have been on-line with MA Bandsters. Some of the people there have been so kind and helpful, but I feel like an outsider because they all seem to be in a clique in the Baltimore/Virginia area, and the postings are few. I am so excited to have found a new site where I might share with others. In these two months before my banding I am feeling doubtful. I am worried that I will not lose weight, and whenever I read about the odd case here or there about someone who did not lose weight, I get scared all over! So, I guess I need some assurance that I wi…

10.31.2003 - Completed my Pre-Op Testing yesterday. I am good to go. Norton's Hospital in Downtown Louisville was pretty efficent on doing the tests. I had to do blood work, Chest X-Ray and an EKG. Only 2 weeks from Monday on Nov. 17th until my surgery date. For some strange reason I have been eating lately like it is going out of style. I do not know if it is the fact my body knows what is getting ready to happen or I am just trying to enjoy some foods I know I will no longer be able to eat. Hopefully, once the LapBand is in place I will not desire the same foods as before. Wade Beasley 377/377/210 Dr. Cacchione Louisville, KY

Hi - I am new - happy to say that Donali referred me. I am pre-band will be getting banded on 01/24/03. I am 36 - female-I have 4 wonderful children- married now for 16 years. I am excited, nervous, and researching all I can. I desparetly need a band buddy because I am going down this road alone. My family thinks I am - 1. Lazy for having WLS done. 2. Crazy to be going to Mexico for the procedure. My husband is very supportive though and knows how much this means to me. Well thats all for now Terri

Hi Everyone! I am Charlene..36 yrs old..Married..Full time Mom to 6! I have seen my dr about getting the lapband..now I have my psych eval on the 17th of Nov..and see the dietician the 19th of Nov. Doc says if all goes well I will be on the losing side by the end of the yr! I was wondering if anyone has Encore Insurance and if so can you tell me about how long it took to get approved and stuff like that. Hugs! Charlene Feel free to email me at charbabe1967@aol.com

Hi - First time here... I'm scheduled for surgery on 8 December.. excited, anxious, nervous.. all and more. Does anyone have any tips/advice?

Hello, I have had my band for one year and have lost 30 lbs(last year)My doctor relunctantly filled me on Friday the 24Oct with ONE cc!! I have no choice but ti go to him since he is the only doctor around Ottawa.Actually he is in Montreal.I'm glad I found this site and will pressure him for more fills if this doesn't get things moving!!

Hi Everyone. I am diligently seeking more information and feedback from bandsters, as I am scheduled for surgery on 8 December. Excited, nervous, anxious.. there are so many words that describe what I'm feeling.

Hi all, My name is Kay Langer. I had my band placed August 29th by Dr. Sanchez of Monterrey Mx. I lost 25lbs the first month but have not lost any since then. I guess it is time for a fill. I am a nurse and a sonographer. I am looking for other people who have had this surgery to get advice and support. I have two children, Eli(2) and Kaitlyn (4). I am hoping to get healthy so I will be with them for a long time. Hope to hear from you all soon. Kay

Hi all, I am new to this forum. I am newly banded as of 9/30/03. I have to say that my first 1 1/2 to 2 weeks I wasnt sure I did a good thing. I was miserable. Nausea, severe gas pains, and man was I STARVING! But now 4 weeks out I have to say it is great. When people told me at 1 week out that I would feel that way in 4wks, I thought they were full of crap. I thought I would never feel good again, physically and mentally. But, I do feel great now. I am down from234.5 start weight to 212 at 4 weeks. Cant beat that any where. At 5'2 that makes a huge difference in how I feel. Now the next journey is THE FILL. It does scare me to think about. I was a bit trau…

Hello everyone. I have just started my journey. I had the BodPod measurement (required body composition analysis) yesterday. I have been referred to the lap Band education class (also required) Monday evening. I will then make an appointment to see the surgeon and proceed with insurance approval. I sure hope everything goes smoothly. I cant wait to have the help I need in fighting my big fat cravings. I need to lose about 120-140. I have many co-mornidities and need this done badly. I am happy to find this site. Looking forward to much support and info here. testing signature....first post.....:cool:

Hi, I will be getting banded in 10 days, I have researched for six months. I just want to say hello, and I'm glad you all are here. Thank you!:cool:

Hi everyone, my name is Louise (my friends call me weezie) and I am being banded 11/18 by Dr. Roberto Rumbaut in Monterrey, Mexico. I am 5' 5 1/2" (have to add that 1/2") and weight 240 putting my BMI right at 40. My mom is coming with me and my husband is staying home to care for our 3 sons. I am excited but mostly anxious and starting to get a little scared. I am a recovery room nurse so in my head I know I will be just fine, but I keep seeing myself saying good-bye to my husband and kids at the airport and I start to cry. I can't think past the surgery to losing weight right now but I know after the surgery I will be so excited. Is anyone else going to be in Mont…

Hey, I'm just starting the process of getting approved for lap-band surgery. Just wanted to say hello!

Hi everybody, I'm to be banded tomorrow morning by Thomas Cerabona at Westchester Medical Center in New York. Can't wait to have it done and have no second thoughts at this time. The internet has been an excellent source of information and inspiration which is a good thing as the support group connected to my surgeon's office is very pooly attended. So wish me luck and thanks to those who have gone before me and have shared their experiences.

I'm new to this site -- it looks to be so organized! It's gonna take me awhile to find my way around! I was banded on February 23, 2003 by Dr. Alan Geiss in Long Island, New York. I lost 50 pounds in the first 5 months. In the three months following, I found that various life issues intervened and my focus on weight loss went out the window. While I dealt with packing up my family and all our belongings, selling our house, buying a new house, finding a good school for my boys, moving 1000 miles away to a city where we know no one, living in a hotel for a month while I re-furbished our 1970's-era house, and trying to keep some sense of normalcy for the kids through …

Hello to all, and thanks for this forum. My name is Sheila and I'm 41, newly married, live in CT. I'm waiting for insurance approval for my band surgery. I've been approved for the Bypass, but am going through tons of hoops in order to get the ok on the Band instead. I've been in this process since July and am a little heartsick at the moment, having hit so many brick walls, but am still hopeful that all will work out. The Lapband folks I've observed on this and other boards seem to me a rare combination: sensitive and compassionate (due partly to the remembered or ongoing pain of obesity), and thoughtful and intelligent, having chosen a WLS that requires those qualiti…

Hello all :cool: - I am new here:banana -just wanted to introduce myself:D - thanks for all your input, it really helps with pre-op jitters:nervous - Pre-op AGB Dr Artuso U.S.A. N.Y. 227/?/150?

Hi, I'm new to this board. I am investigating having WLS and trying to figure out which is best for me. I like the idea of the band because of the lower risks associated with malabsorption, etc. I have quite a bit to lose, say 200 lbs, but even if I lose 1/2 of that, I will be able to be much more active. Thanks for being here. This is such a huge decision. :cool:

Hi I am Cathy and I was banded on 8/1/03 in Covington, Louisiana. I have lost 22 pounds so far and feel great. I just found this site and I look forward to getting some good info. as well and making new friends.

Hi all! I just wanted to introduce myself to you all. My name is Janet I was banded in Mexico by Dr. Sanchez on Feb. 20, 2003 To date I have only lost 10 pounds:( I'm here looking for support and answers Any of both would be great

Hello everyone! I've not had surgery but will on November 4th. I'm ready but nervous. :cool:

:cool: Hello! My name is Robert, I have just gotten banded on September 23,2003, and I am happy to say I have lost 52 pounds! I was so excited! I have always been big since I was small, but I had complications as I got older and was in the hospital for three months and let me tell you it is not fun especially when you have nurses that do not like their jobs so you can imagine how I felt in there. I got banded in Tijuana B.C. Mexico, by dr. sergio verboonen, His e-mail address is www.obesitygoodbye.com, or Verboonen@obesitygoodbye.com, and let me tell you he took the chance on banding me for I was high risk and thank God everything came out all right. The hospit…

Hi everyone..my name is Denise and I have been banded since January 03. I have lost a total of 75 lbs. I am looking forward to your posts and hope that I can be of help to anyone in need of it!

HI I'm new and thrilled to have found this site. I am getting banded on October 28th. I still can't believe it.

I finally got my surgery date. I was begining to belive I would never get one. Iam happy and the date is Nov.18 2003. can't wait. So wish me luck all Im ready.

hi im jayla im 22 years old i have 2 kids and married. Right now i am STRONGLY wanting this procedure but i am so SCARED! i have incurace and im a goverment employee and they say they would approve me but i dont have a doctor in my area. can some one please let me know how this surgery is and if any one has had any serious problems. i really need this my life seems to be going down due to my weight.(currently 315 and im only 5'4 WOOW!):cool: please lend me a helping hand in this HARD decsion. thanx alot jayla

Hi, I am new to this forum. My name is Anne and I am thinking about having LapBand surgery. Still doing my research and learning as much as possible. I am very thankful that there are forums like this one to help me in this process. I want to go through this with my eyes wide open, learning about the good and the bad. I am not looking for an easy fix... I think we all know that those don't exist. I am looking for a tool to help me with the day to day challenges I face with eating healthy and exercising. I find that nothing is more frustrating that trying your best and still not succeeding. Thanks for listening. Best to all, Anne, a.k.a. - Sassaay

Hi!!! I´m new to this group and so far I´ve really liked it. I´m also a memeber of dieter´s get toguether from msn and mexicanbandsters from yahoo. I had my gastric band surgery about 7 weeks ago and I´ve lost almost 20 pounds I FEEL GREAT !!! My surgeon recommended me to join this types of groups for support, so if you have any questions please feel free to ask because I´m going to be asking a los of questions :cool: .. HAVE A BEAUTIFUL AND HEALTHY DAY!!!..

to your forum and it looks like a great place! I have been thinking about weight loss surgery but do not want to have the type of surgury that is permanent. I am trying to learn more about lap banding and find doctors in my area. If anyone can help, I live in the Cleveland Ohio area. Thanks, Jacky