Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi everyone, I'm Jeunesse....dutch and I live in Holland. I'm 36,married and we have 4 kids.I have asthma,high bloodpressure and a bloodclotting disease called Factor V Leiden. Till 9 years ago I was never overweight.My weight used to be around 130 pounds(I'm 5ft6).Then I got severe asthma and had to take a lot of steroids and started to gain a lot of weight.And since I gained weight I also started to eat cause I didn't care anymore.I know...pretty stupid but it's the truth. When I reached the weight of 269 last year I knew I had to do something and started to find information on the lapband.Here in Holland they prefer the lapband over the gastric bypass/duodenal swi…

I am scheduled for the banding surgery on September 5th. My doctor has me on a diet 2 weeks prior to surgery. The first week consists of (1) meal of 500-700 calories, <10 grams of fat plus 2 Protein drinks a day. The second week consists of 4 -5 Protein Drinks a day. 48 hours before surgery is nothing but Clear liquids. I was told this is to reduce the liver. Does everyone go on such a strick diet prior to surgery? My pre-op weight was 204 lbs, 5'2". With 10 days to go until the surgery I am down to 200 lbs. I will probably lose another 5 lbs by the 15th. My insurance has approved the surgery but as I tell people I am doing it they say I am not big enough…

Hello everyone! Greetings from Maryland… It has taken me a while to post here though I have been lurking for some weeks. I work at a college and back-to-school time is insane. This is a really great site and it is so encouraging to see so many people receiving support and encouragement. I am also completely enchanted by this dancing banana! It has a hypnotic effect on me… :banana must look away… must look away! Hahaha! Ok, on to more serious subjects… I am due to be banded Friday, September 12th. Yikes! I wasn’t really scared until today when I had my last visit with the surgeon prior to banding day. All the sudden, I was sitting on that bed/table thing that you lay d…

Hi, I just joined the forum and thought I would take this oppertunity to introduce myself. I'm from wisc near the illinois border. Have been researching WLS for about 2 years now and finally decided the band was the best option for me. Now just trying to find an experienced local surgeon that does the band. Stepping back in time... I have been overweight since about age 6 and considered obese since age 13. I have been on every diet out there including some pretty crazy ones that I came up with myself, as well as WeightWatchers, TOPS, Jenny Craig etc... you get the drift and every time I'd lose weight but only end up gaining it back and then a few more pounds…

Hello everyone! I was banded on August 20, 2003. Still in the new stage, liquids only. Good news is that I am not hungry. I have my one week follow-up tomorrow. Ready to get the staples out. My dr. did not give any pain meds only Tylenol liquid, so I am very glad that I am past the first 2-3 days :-). Love reading everything everyone has to say!!!

Several of you have helped me--at least my internet-less friend--with answers to questions. Many thanks. A new question. Her doctor told her that he would not inflate her band for six weeks post-op. Is this standard, ominous, or what? Response appreciated. Charles

Hi Everyone, Just wanted to say hi! I am looking forward to surgery on 9-11. Dr. Marema in Ft. Lauderdale will do the procedure. I feel very lucky to have been accepted to be a part of the clinical trials for the Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band. If not for that, I probably wouldn't be having the surgery for some time( no insurance coverage and financing not an option at this time). Is there anyone out there with a Swedish Band? Looking forward to encouragement, inspiration and support! Angie

Hi, I'm a new member of this forum and wanted to introduce myself! I'm an English 40 something mother of 2 boys (5 and 10) living near Paris, France. I was banded by Dr Marre in Port Marly, near Paris on 5 August 2003 and have dropped from 112 kg (227 lb) to 97 kg (213) in the 4 weeks post op, which is great! I recovered very fast from my surgery and almost feel like it never happened. I can eat solid food and, though I can delay eating by drinking, I do get hungry............which was a surprise as I thought being banded would remove hunger. However, I think it might be that I need a fill, so I'm off to see my doctor this week. Well, that's me, in a nutshell.....…

I received my new lap-band on August 20th. So far, so good. I have lost 12 1/2 as of today 8/29/03. I can finally see myself loosing this weight, and am so exited about it. I have about 80 lbs left to go.

Hello there! My name is Heather, and I'm in the pre-op stage. I did A TON of research on the internet before I even mentioned it to anyone. I guess I was just ashamed that so much of my weight issues have to do with bad habits, etc, and I was afraid that if I told people that I was considering surgery, they would think that I thought it would be a "quick fix" or an "easy answer" and that I thought that I wouldn't have to make any of the changes that are necessary for "normal" weight loss. (By the way, I don't view it as a "quick fix" or an "easy answer", and I know that my entire life in relation to food will be turned upside down!) Anyway, after much research, I …

Hi all! I am excited yet nervous about what to expect from the lap band. Dr. Cribbins (Plano, Texas) preformed my surgery on 7/24/03 and so far everything has been text book. (My only concern: I thought the first month I'd lose about 20 pounds; at week 5, I've only lost 16. Good but not what I expected.) I am so glad I found this forum, hopefully some much needed support will be found. And if you have any questions about Dr. Cribbins or my lap band experience, just PM me!

Hey all .. It's great to find a "new" forum to be a part of and spread the gospel of the Banded! I was banded recently (7-16) and am still feeling my way. I have lost 10 lb so I'm taking it slowly. It's great to be here and I hope to get to know everyone better!

My name is Carole. I was banded by Dr. Kuri in Tijuana on July 14 2003. I havn't lost much so far but I'm hoping this will change after I get a fill. I am looking forward to learning from your experiences.

Hi! I had my first consultation with my Doctor yesturday. I have been doing quite a bit of research on the lap-band and I really have not run across anything negative about it. I was just wondering what the down falls to having this surgery are? I know the risks of the surgery but have there been any negative post ops??? I have not really told anyone in my family(except for my husband) that I am concidering having this procedure done. I am not sure how they will react. I guess I will wait to tell them till I find out if my insurance will approve it. Thanks for any input. Candace

hi - i'm 33, married with two sons, and am really interested in getting the Lap Band - just talked to two surgeons so far - both in the UK - where i will have to travel to as no one does the op in Ireland! I would love to hear from anyone Irish or English who has had the surgery for some local advice! But advice from anyone is welcome! thanks xx:)

Just found this forum and already finding it very useful. I have not had my surgery yet but I am scheduled for lap band surgery on Sept. 30th. I am getting really nervous. I have not met anyone that has ever had this surgery done but have met lots of people that have had gastric bypasses. I have never had any surgery and this is one reason I am scared. I also am scared that I might have it done and not lose the weight. I have 125 lbs. to lose. Does everyone go through a scared phase?

A couple of days ago I submitted a rather general request for help, on behalf of an internet-less friend (a woman). She has two main concerns: (1) she has a 2 year old. Will she be able to lift it soon after the operation? (2) how much weight can one expect to loose realistically and what are peoples experiences with keeping it off? Any specifics greatly appreciated.

Hi I had the procedure done on August 15, 2003. I am 4 days post-op and I am doing okay. What type pf diets did you all get after the surgery. I would appreciate it if anyone would like to share any infromation. I am very exited to be part of this group.

Hi Just a quick intro... I am a 35 yo female in Melbourne, Australia. I was banded just over 6 mths ago and have lost 19.5 kg (42.9 lbs) since then. So far, so good. My fill Dr has been very gradual with me and that has been good as I haven't had any rude shocks... I have been eased into restriction. I did have a blockage about 6 weeks ago and all my fill was removed. I had a barium swallow xray and thankfully everything was as it should be. Two days later I had fill put back in... 1.7ml, instead of the 2ml I got blocked on and now I am up to 1.9ml and everything is going really well. Looking forward to participating and making friends here! Cheers Fifi banded…

I just wanted to introduce myself---it's my first time here and I am amazed (and delighted) to see this forum exists. Already I've gotten good information. I have not been banded but am very seriously considering it. I am looking forward to reading all of your posts and hopefully I'll find answers to some of my questions even before asking them. I've already seen jerryb's posts...If there are any others here who are also from Michigan who can share info I'd appreciate it---thanks! One thing I can say already is that you all give me courage...!

Hello- I am actively, actively considering such surgery but I am scared. Esp. after I read about the city council woman in Detroit died from complications of such surgery. Although I knoe there could be complications from any surgery. I am in Michigian, wondering where others in Michigan have gone? In general, wondering about long-term results, and do they frequently have to perform follow-up surgeries to readjust the band? Thanks, Amy Any other rec. or insights would be very welcomed.

Just thought I would introduce myself. I was banded on April 1st in Mexico by Dr. Rodriguez. I have since lost 55lbs and and am down from a size 34w to a 24/26w. I am not at a stand still and waiting for my next fill appt on 9/11. Looking for to exchanging ideas and posts with all of you. Bunches of Hugs, Sandy

Hi I am a 30 y/o mother of one son,live in a town between orlando and daytona,florida, I have done the research and im sure the lap band is what i what and need. I went to my primary doc. and he has no idea what im talking about ..after i described it .. he said well lets make sure my heart was in good shape and i am good on that ...well now i dont know what to do or what to expect? All you guys out there are such a inspiration..i was wondering if someone would let me know what i should do next? find a dr.,... find out first if ins. will cover,...what other pretest do i have to get? any help would be great...thanks erika

I'm new to this site. Have been doing a lot of research into WLS. I definitely feel that the lapband is the answer for me. I'm currnetly about 115-130 lbs. overweight, my bmi is 44.5. Have been overweight since I was about 15 (I'm 33 now) I'm an emotional overeater and am encouraged by the reports I've read from people who've been banded that this does work well. I am currently doing my ins homework and getting my ducks in a row. I'm having surgery on 9-02-03 - a hysterectomy, NOT the band. So, I have to recover from that first! I'll be around for a while- waiting to get everything together. It's great that ya'll have this site, I know it will be a blessing and…

Hi, all! I'm wanting to get banded sometime this year when freight slows down. I wear glasses and smoke. I don't know what else to say, but I look at most of the posts so I don't go into this blindly. My huband and I will be taking a load to CA then going to TJ for hthe procedure. Hope everyone is doing well and keep up the posts.

Hi everyone, i'm a lap banned aussie girl who has never been part of a forum before, so please be patient with me and all my questions. I had my op on the 2nd of january 2003, 7 months down the track and 20 kilos lighter. It's a great start but i've still got a long way to go. Best of luck to everyone.

banded 5/20/03 have lost 37lbs. I have had one fill 2cc. I can drink during the am and I am able to eat at night soft foods like pasta. I try to eat weight watchers meals and drink protein shakes during the day. I am a little worried because my weight loss has been slow. I don't think I need another fill but I'm not sure, I can eat a whole dinner and pudding after as long as it is soft. I can't tolerate chicken unless it is past 8pm. any suggestions would be helpful. thanks.

Hi, It's my 1st time here today and i am so excited to find a place just for bandsters. I am tired of reading about the rny. It does not pertain to what i really need to know...I want to know what it is like from someone who already went thru it. I have 2 friends that are going to have it after me, and they are already counting on me to be the knowledgable one...Help! I have been reading alot and learning alot and hope to pass on valuable experience...just as soon as you give me some of yours! thanks, for your honesty and support janet:)

Hi everyone.my name is Kelly and I live in South Africa where I am a pioneer(no one has ever ever heard of the lap band here)am 12th person to be banded in the the whole country apparently!!) Great forum and I am so glad I have found it! Was banded on 9th July 2003 292 current 266 goal 185 am 1.80m tall feet??? have no idea Had to use calculator to work out pounds from kilograms!! Good luck to evryone starting on this journey!

nice website !! Hey all, I want to introduce me---TERI Queens NY I was banded 2 years ago as part of FDA trials Very very happy to be banded Lost 1/2 excess weight which is considered by Bio-E to be successful I KNOW I never would have lost this weight with out my band. I was diet weary and sick of the repeated ---Diet / lose it /gain it back/ dieting revolving door. I also KNOW I never would have kept it off so easily I do have another 75 to lose but know it is all excersice now as I have quite a full fill (at 3.6cc) and have leveled off at about 1100-1300 cal a day So I know I am not eating any more than when I was losing. I ha…

bren email me -im right behind you september 11 at memorial hospital with dr ponce

Hi, I just joined the forum tonight I'm glad that I found it! I live in MD, have Aetna and would like to have band surgery. I had pretty much given up on the idea of Aetna paying for it and decided to go to Mexico to have the surgery done. After reading Alexandria's messages, she has given me new hope!!! I would much rather have this done in the states but out of pocket cost are above by head. I've started getting all my info together for Aetna... look out 'cause here I come Aetna!

Hello! I am birdee. My band date was 7/22/2003. I am down 12 pounds. The surgery has been a roller coaster ride. I don't regret my sugery at all!!!!! I am glad to be here. I want to give support as well as receive it! Thanks! Birdee

I just had my first Dr visit today and now the long wait for my insurance to come back. i hope to gain alittle more wisdom from the board. thanks for looking.

I have a friend with no e-mail thinking of Lap Band. Would appreciate VERY MUCH any copmments pro/con and possible direct contacts regarding experiences--even if just "good" "bad" "don't do it" "it's not easy" or whatever. Thank you very much

Alexandra, I will be thinking and praying 'or you tomorrow. I'm sure your surgery will go fine. I am looking forward to hearing all about it in a few days. GOD BLESS

Hey plenty of info here. I'm Bobby and was banded on 8/12/03. Nice to meet you all!!

Hi Everyone! Well, my journey is beginning. I have my psych eval scheduled for Sept. 11, and my consult with the surgeon is Oct. 2. I am praying that my insurance is approved and I can have this surgery before the holiday (Christmas). I am ready for my life and body to change! The thought of re-gaining my health and energy back is just so exciting. I have learned so much from the postings here. Thanks to everyone for sharing. I live in the Columbus Ohio area. Anyone else in Ohio?

Veras banded, Just got Banded 8/14/03 in Monterrey Mexico by Dr. Sanchez. It was an eventful trip, Airflight to Houston then Mexico and back plus the surgery all in 4 days. The staff there is great but I truly Love Dr.Sanchez he is a very warm and loving man. Its been 4 days since my surgery and I don't have much pain mostly gas and thanks to all the reading on this websight I've identified it like shoulder pain which I've never had before and am doing a lot of walking. I was walking 2 hours post-op all over the place with my IV. Jeanette, Barb, Wayne, Libby, Rosemarie and Sheryle the gang in Mexico Say Hi! Thanks for this Forum and all the personal inform…

I'm a 32 yr old mother of 2 boys. I've been big all my life and never lost any weight after either pregnancy. I'm 5'7 1/2" and 269 pounds. I was banded on Monday, August 11, 2003. Tomorrow is my one week anniversary and I've already lost 13 lbs. So far I'm loving the band. Too bad weight loss wasn't this easy before. Soon the work will begin though! I'm excited to start exercising and watching more of the weight melt away! I have felt really great from the beginning. My pain meds never worked and didn't do much so I learned to live with the little pain I had and get over it. I stopped taking pain meds (that didn't work) on Wed night and that was the end of th…

Hi all, found this site by accident but I am very impressed and Enlightened and I am pretty sure I have changed my mind from the rny to the lap band. I am 35 years old and have 3 crazy kids and have been married for 12 years to a very understanding and loving man. I have been overweight (now 278 at 5'3 ) all my life and started researching wls in 2000 after my last child was born. My pcp was very supportive but I got scared again then and opted not to go to the consult. Now that my kids are getting so active I find it hard to keep up with them or do the kinds of things they want to do. I have hypertension, insulin resistance, depression, urinary incontinence,…

Hello everyone, I just found this place today. I am desperately seeking some solutions to my weight problem. I've tried everything and recently heard about the lap-band. I mentioned it to my doctor and she had never heard of it. I don't know where to start. I need information on doctors who are EXPERIENCED in Florida. She said she would like for me to look into doctors at Shands in Gainesville. Her brother is a doctor there. I live about 3 hours from there, so it wouldn't be too far to travel. My insurance is BC/BS PPO. Anyone have experience in getting approval from them? I have no money of my own to pay for this, so it seems a little overwhelming. Actuall…

Hi everyone! I was surfing the net and came across this board and signed up quickly. I just decided to have the procedure done yesterday. I'm a little scared....ok, a lot scared, but it is something that I want to do. I have done a lot of research on this and the bypass surgery and this just seemed like a no-brainer. I wish everyone the best of luck with their journeys!!!

Hi Everyone, I attended the lapband seminar Wednesday night in Maumee with Dr. Duckett and it was very informative. I scheduled my initial consult with him on Oct. 2 and am trying to get the psych eval appointment set up quickly. I talked to my insurance (Anthem Federal) and got very conflicting information as to coverage. I figure I'm going to go forward and get everything together and then let the doctor handle the insurance!! I am really ready to have this surgery and am going to get it - one way or another!! Thanks for all the info. It is very beneficial and encouraging.

Hello every one.My name is Jennie and I was banded 3/11/03. Im having a hard time losing weight. Im not sure what Im doing wrong. I have lost a total of 30 pounds 10 before surgery and 20 after surgery. Im really getting worried. I have 1.2cc in my band. I go back to my Dr. the end of this mo. for another fill. I feel really bad about my self. Is it normal to slow down this much? Im so freaked out,I dont want to fail. Im so glad I found you all !!!!!!!!!! Looking forward to talk to all of you Jennie banded 3/11/03 Dr.Bhesania Well it has been almost 3 yrs. I lost 166 pounds and just had a baby girl 7 weeks ago. Thanks to the band !!!!!!!!!! Now Im back to lose th…

Hi, I'm claraluz. I will be banded on August 27 by Dr. Spivak in Houston. I know I'll be nervous, but I'm really eager to have this done. At the moment, I'm trying to learn as much as I can pre-op so that I can be successful with this thing.

Hello Everyone My name is yvonne and I am new, also a preband, waiting for answer on 2nd appeal letter from Humana Insurance for approval! I should be getting a reply with in a couple of weeks! I just wanted to encourage everyone fighting insurance company's to fight! fight! fight! Thanks Yvonne

I Had RNY 18 months ago and have lost 90 pounds. I have been battling for months with my weight. I was wondering if anyone here had gastric bypass and then later...after not being as successful as you hoped, had the lapband? Any input is great. Thanks and great site! Peeks

Hi to all, I have finally made it over. Seems to be the happening place.... Here are my stats: 8-29-02 350/230/155 5'10 Baltimore, MD Dr. Michael Schweitzer -120!! I love my band! Going in for a port replacement 8-26, can't wait for another fill.... I look forward to being a part of a lap band oriented community. Rachele

Hello - I just felt like introducing myself. I just attended a seminar today by 2 bariatric surgeons in NJ, and I set up an initial appointment for September. Here we go. I probably have read more than 1/2 the posts on the board so far in the last 2 weeks, so thanks for the great info! Bob