Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

HI ALL JUST WANTED TO INTRODUCE MYSELF IWAS BANDED ON 3/25/02 AND HAVE LOST 53LBS. I FEEL I AM AT A STOPING POINT I HAVE HAD TWO FILLS FOR A TOTAL OF 1.75CCS I HAVE GOTTEN OFF MY EXERCISE I AM GOING TO GET BACK INTO IT WE WENT ON VACATION AND IT MESSED ME UP. WELL HOPE TO TALK TO YOU ALL MORE NIKKI

i have Kaiser inurs and they will only do bypass (they have never heard of lap bands) i can't change insur until open enrollment in Nov...i did call Dr Patching(he is in Sacramento) and he charges $9,000 but the hosptial portion will $20-$30,000.....going to Mexico is not an option for me...so i guess i will try weight watchers again and wait until i can change insur...my BMI is 43 and i want to lose 75lbs...but i would still like to come to these boards if that is okay? Nicole

Hi all, Positively love the format of this website!!! My hubby, Wayne was banded 8/02/03, 10 days ago. We went to Monterrey MX and Dr. Sanchez was his surgeon. Can't say enough nice things about the entire experience. Wayne has lost 20 lbs. already, he knows this will slow down and is fine with that. He is doing very well. I know we will have lots of questions and am glad to have all this support!

Hi everyone, Just introducing myself to everyone. I am 31 years old, had lap band surgery on June 6, 2002. I have lost 90 pounds. I work as a liaison with a local lap band doctor and help to organize a local support group. I love to talk with other "Bandsters" Flori 242/152/135

I am 46 years old, divorced, mother of 2 boys...22 & 19. I've battled weight loss all my life. I've lost 100 lbs more times then you have fingers and toes. But here I am again and hopefully this will be my last bout with obesity. I've lost about 15 lbs since sugergy 7/9 and I have virtually NO restriction. I can eat anything. So I've been trying very hard to maintain some sort of "diet" until I get my first fill which will be next Monday 8/18. It's interesting how some people have severe restriction immediately and some (like me) have none. The operation itself was over in the blink of an eye. I went home the next day and was pain free except for getting up and …

Hi, My name is Spring and I had my Lap Band surgery in January of 2003 at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles. I adore my doctor, Dr. Scott Cunneen and would highly recommend him. I'm in my 50's so my weight loss has been slow. I have had 5 fills (I wouldn't count the first one)...some of us need more than others! Now I feel I am at a very good level of restriction. My starting weight was 278 and I have lost 40 lbs since my surgery. I am down 60 lbs. from my top weight in 2002 and I am getting into clothes I haven't worn for 3 years. I am thrilled to have this tool to help me acheive a normal weight. I have been overweight and on diets since I was 9 years old. Now I feel …

Hi Everyone. I am new to this site and I am really enjoying reading everyones posts. I am just beginning this journey of wls. Next Wednesday I will be attending the seminar that is required prior to scheduling the first consult with the surgeon. I learned about the lapband surgery from my sister who had it done in December 2002. She has lost about 70lbs and looks and feels wonderful. Has also come off of most of her medications (diabetes/high blood pressure and cholestrol). Certainly convinced me to get moving on this path!! Anyway, just wanted to say hi and introduce myself. I am married with 2 children, a daughter 17, and a son 11. My husband and children have…

Hi all. I have just joined after reading quite a few posts. I was banded in B.C. a little over 2 weeks ago.

Hey folks, nice to meet all of you. This is a pretty cool site, and the format works great. Well, I am 25, live in Miami. I am 5'10" and currently weigh about 280(probably more). I have been scheduled for surgery for August 29th. My insurance paperwork is all being processed, now it's the all so PITA waiting game. My doctor is Samuel Szomstein in Cleveland Clinic in Weston Florida. They do both RNY and Lapband, and he suggested lapband for me due to my stats. I really hope this comes through soon, I am so anxious to know whether I have to fight, or if my date is good. Either way, good luck to all of you!!! GO DOLPHINS!!!

just wanted to say hi to everyone...:banana

Thank you, thank you, thank you I am soooo happy to find this forum. The other night I was feeling very down and pretty lonely. A little bit of history of myself. I am a 44(yikes when did that happen ) year old women:confused: I am a mother: daughter 25.5 yrs and son 5.5 yrs , a grandmother : 9 month old little guy : a wife, a sister 9 brothers and sisters, well my life is full. My weight began as I hit the dreaded puberty ages, lost weight when I was in the second year of high school and kept it off until the birth of my daughter. Thats when the fight began, up down and back up again, more and more each time. Then 20 years later I had my son (my little miracle) …

Hello I am Luz Elena I have been banded for a year and changes have been wonderful not only for the sizes I have dropped but also for my self esteem I have gained, I wish I had known this 10 years ago. I am still half way and still need to drop the other par but I know I'll get there Good luck to all of you pre and post:D

I have been lurking around reading and enjoying all the posts. I was banded on 5/5 by Dr. Boreo in New Jersey. I have lost 38 lbs. even though I don't really feel any restriction. I had 1 fill of 2 cc. on 7/7 but still don't feel any restriction. Going back to see Dr. next week and will probably schedule me for another fill. Congratulations on putting together a great place for bandsters and future bandsters to meet.

Hi from sunny Wisconsin~!!! Have been banded for 3 months and have lost close to 60 pounds....feeling great and digging the band! Look forward to getting to know you all **Finally figured out how to post my pic on the left !!**

Hola from Nebraska! My name is Teresa . I was banded 14 1/2 mos ago. I have lost 176lbs! I now weigh 190. My goal is to lose another 10-30lbs. I was banded in Scottsbluff, NE by Dr. Halloway and Dr. Forney at Regional West Medical Center. I have had two fills. I have 2cc's in. I hope to be an active member of this site. If you have any questions or comments drop me a line. XOXO~Teresa

Hi everybody! Im Sunni, I live in the Texas panhandle and have been researching the Lap Band procedure for a few months now. I have 2 insurance companies, United Health Care as my primary and Cigna as my seconday. I feel pretty confident that they cover this, although I havent called them yet. I have a appt with my physician on Monday to get this ball rolling..I am having a very difficult time finding a surgeon closer than a 6-10 hr drive (Dallas, Houston ect) Is there anyone out there in my area that has been banded know of a closer surgeon?? Or have any support they can give me? Thanks to all who respond!

Hello, I am here near Fort Worth Texas. I have been overweight for most of my adult life. There are so many things that I felt I was missing out on in my life because of my obesity. I was banded on June 23, 2003 and I have lost 28 pounds in the last 6 weeks. I will be getting my first fill next week and I am looking forward to this since I have had no restriction and I have been losing solely based on will power, a low carb diet, daily exercise at the gym and swimming. I am happy that I am banded and my goal is to lose 100 pounds in the next 10 months. Pretty ambitious, but I feel that I can do it!!!!!

Hi everyone I got home from the hospital last night and have spent most of my time in bed.I only hurt in the upper tummy must be where the band is it even hurts to take a deep breath,I hope its cause there is just some swelling in the band area and nothing bad going on.I was taking liquids good before I could come home but now even one sip makes me fill full like it doesn't go down for a long time.Is this normal?i am going back to bed as I am the most comfortable there.I just fill so full.I will check later for any advice from all of you. Roxanne

Hi everyone, I am glad we have another place to come talk. I was banded on january 28, 2003. I have lost 70 pounds so far and am hoping to lose another 70 before I get married in march of 2004. I look forward to chatting with everyone. I haven't lost any weight in a month. Time for another fill..

Hello all. I am waiting for my consultation in November with Dr. Gazmuri. I am hoping that the insurance will not give me a hard time about wanting the band over the RNY. I have HMO Blue in Mass. Has anyone had success with getting the band from them? I have been doing research for a little while now and I just feel that this is the best option. I need to have this done. I can lose weight, but can I keep it off? Nope, not for very long at least. Portions....ugh!!! I am really glad to find another place that talks about bands and I hope to make some good friends here. Kaci

I am 22 years old an have been heavy my entire life. I just found out today 8/5/03 that I am going to be banded on 8/29/03. I am so excited and can't wait for this tool for weight loss to become a part of me. I have not been able to do so many things because of my weight. I am hoping that in time I will be able to do some of those things. I would like for those of you who have been banded to let me know your experiences so that I have an idea of what to expect. I will be seeing Dr. Rodolfo Sanchez in Mexico. Can't wait to hear from you. Nicole:cool:

Hello All, I'm JoAnn..I'm scheduled for 'banding' on Tuesday, August 5, 2003..with Dr. Uddo in Metairie, Louisiana...I'm nervous, anxious and excited. And alittle concerned about what things will be like..but ready!! I'll be pulling from this list for words of wisdom..so keep talking everyone.. Nice to have you here...

Hi, Just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Wendy, and I was banded April 29th of this year. I just had my first fill yesterday of 1/2 cc. I have lost 31 pounds so far. Not very much, I know, but this small fill I just had has finally started giving me some restriction. I am looking forward to sharing information and getting tips from all of you. BTW, my surgeon was David Carroll, in Jackson, MS

Hi Everyone, I'm Linda, from Greenwood, Indiana. I first saw a doctor on July 3rd, just a consultation for anyone who wanted information about weight loss surgery, one of those group meetings. I had already decided I wanted Lap Band, so I stayed and filled out the paper work for insurance approval etc. I expected two or three months just to get approval or longer, then all the test that follow and surgery in 5 or 6 months. I got a call the last week in July from the surgeon, saying they had approval, and giving me a surgery date of Sept. 8th. I was in shock all day! I've already had the psych. eval. and go for pre-op Diet & nutrition consultation on Friday. T…

Hi Friends, I am making my first post. I was banded July 14th by Dr Lael (who works with Dr. DeLaGarza) in Progresso Mexico. I am doing great and getting ready for my first fill. I have lost 18lbs in 3 weeks, but I am eating too much again and do not expect to lose more until I get my fill in a few weeks. Did any of the rest of you feel the need for a band so soon after surgery? Jennaband

Hi Everyone, Just wanted to introduce myself. I'm new to this site but I've been reading all your posts and find it very helpful! I started looking into banding about 5 months ago and I'm finally ready to take the plunge! I have my first surgeon appointment on 8/13. I'm hoping my insurance will pay but am willing to go ahead with my own cash if they don't (my health is just too important)! I'm looking foward to joining you all on the other side! Marsha

Had my first Lap band orientation today, Dr appt next week. Hope to find lots of interesting info in all te posts

Hi Everyone! I love this new format! I tried 2 times already to post this introduction so let's see if 3rd time is a charm. Were to start? I was banded on June 22, 2001 by Dr. Raul Rosenthal at the Cleveland Clinic in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. I weighed 264lbs the day of surgery at 5'3. Today I weigh 147, a total loss of 117lbs. I lost 95lbs the first year and 22lbs the second year. I am hoping to lose the remaining 10-15lbs this next year. Doesn't that sound amazing? I am actually happy and thrilled that I "only" lose 22lbs in one year...tickles the heck out of me! When I would diet pre-band, I was in such a hurry to lose all the weight NOW. With the ba…

Howdy! I am a band wannabe from Texas. I have had the initial appointment with my surgeon- it was very informative and exciting. Now I wait for insurance approval- hopefully uhc will be okay about covering my surgery. From what i have read on this and other websites I am curious about the very different weight losses experienced by banders. Of course I realise that we are all unique and no two people will have exactly the same result; however, does anyone have an opinion on how to maximize wt loss. I am afraid of doing this procedure and then only losing a total of 20 or 30 lbs. Seanmama

Hi! I'm Sheri and I was banded August-2001 in Scottsbluff, NE. Currently I have lost 60 pounds and still have some more to go. I am going in for a fill 8-6-03 and hope to jump-start the weight loss again! A question for anyone-has anyone else run into difficulties shedding the pounds? Thanks in advance for any answers!!

My name is BinkieGirl, but you can call me Bink. I was banded on July 10 2003 by Dr. Bradley Needleman in Columbus Ohio. So far I've lost somewhere around 20 pounds thanks to several complications including having my stomach swell shut for several days. All in all, I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I look forward to meeting all of you and getting to know you!

Hi, everyone- I'm a happy bandster in Atlanta. I'm happily married with a 4-year old daughter. Life is good, especially since Sept. of last year when I was banded. I have lost 79 lbs. and am about 15 from goal. I never would have thought I could be thin! Laureen

Hi all I am newly banded, last Tuesday July 29th. Feeling pretty good, a little tired and sore but thrilled!!!! I found this site thru spotlight health, which I constantly lurk but only post occasionally. Julie Post op 7/29 290 / ? / 145 Dr. Rubenstein, Patchogue NY

Hey all ! I'm from Vicksburg, MS and am having lap band surgery by Dr. Hadar Spivak in Houston, TX, on Wednesday, 6 Aug 03. Of course, I have been on this computer day and night for several months researching the procedure. I've learned alot for sure, but need more - there's always more to learn. I have a question: The first week or 2 after surgery, what can I expect to be able to eat and drink (I mean quantities). Should I expect to be able to consume the recommended 60 grams of Protein and 72 oz of Water daily, or does it increase day to day? I have the list of liquids and soft foods for the first week or two post-op, but I'm unsure if I should be concerned of…

Hi my name is Nancy and I'm from Michigan. I had lap band surgery on June 24, 2003. I got tired of being fairly successful on diets only to gain all the weight back once I had lost my enthusiasm. I'm hoping that with some will power and the help of the lapband that my lifelong weight problem can be solved. I would like to loose a total of 100 pounds and thanks to the lapband that is now approx. 80!:banana

I'm a woman, 41, happily married with one young child. When I hit 257 (I'm 5'8") I began to research WLS and thought the Lap Band was a brilliant and appropriate solution for me. I had surgery with Dr. Johnell (Greeley, CO) on 5/9/03 and had a super easy recovery. Surgery on Friday, back to work on Tuesday. With the band, I've been able to EASILY lose 23 pounds in 12 weeks, even losing while on vacations. So far, I've never PB-ed though, I have, a couple of times regretted eating so much that I felt pressure or pain. Those incidents taught me to eat less, which is exactly what I had it put in there to do. I must admit wishing I could take it out whe…

Hi Everyone! I'm Sandy. I was banded 9/5/02 in Tijuana by the wonderful (and good looking ) Dr. Ortiz. I've lost a total of 83 lbs. so far. I had my first fill at 10 weeks post-op, 2nd fill about 6 weeks later. That fill lasted 3 months, and then I've had 2 since then. My last fill was a real doozie! I am VERY restricted! I asked Dr. O to give me a lot of restriction and boy did I get what I asked for! I had hit my first real plateau and hadn't lost anything for over a month before this last fill. I'm glad to "meet" all of you. Is anyone from this board going to the Bandster Bash in TJ on Labor Day Weekend? Sandy Dr. Ortiz 9/5/02 -83 lbs

Hi everyone...I'm Dee and I was banded 2/13/03 in Scottsbluff, Ne. To date I have lost 75lbs and am so glad that I was banded. Our quality of life has definitely improved with the surgery. So much more energy, and can't wait to start taking hula lessons :laugh :laugh We have 3 children - 1 a chef, 1 in college and 1 a senior in high school. I plan on being close to goal next May for graduations and our 25th anniversary. I look forward in all of your stories and encouragement! Dee

Hi everyone, I am new to this board and thought I would start out by introducing myself. I was banded on April 23rd,2003 in Austin Texas by Dr. Patrick Dilawn. I have lost a total of 49 pounds so far! It has been somewhat easy up to this point but I have a feeling the next 50 pounds won't come off this easily. I dusted off my treadmill for the first time this past week to help the weight loss out. I am glad to be a part of this new board and am looking forward to meeting lots of fellow bandsters to share this journey with! Tanna

Banded: Dec 18, 2002 Beginning: 262 Current: 220 Struggling with the slow loss. Only one fill so far. 2cc's Dr. Kuri ~ Tijuana Mexico

Cool site. I'm the same old Geezer as 'NotherGeezer, but most people think that says NorthernGeezer, so i'm giving up on that. But I'm still pretty old (55 at surgery, 56 now) for a wls patient, so I'll remain a Geezer. My surgery was 15 October 2002 in Monterrey, Mexico, with Roberto Rumbaut Diaz. He is one of--I think--two or perhaps three banded wls doctors. My progress WAS at about 2# per week, then I was unfilled by a doctor in Tijuana who "refilled" my band with a minimal amount of saline and nothing happened...for weeks and weeks and weeks. I was recently in Monterrey for a fill with Dr. Rumbaut and it appears that things will be improving. I do…

Hi all, I was banded on 3/28/03, and it's the best thing I've ever done for myself! I've lost 40 pounds so far, and feel great. It's great to have another message board just for us bandsters! Diann

My name is Julie and I was banded on January 11, 2003 by Dr. Rodolfo Sanchez. I currently weigh 220 pounds, down 103 pounds from my pre-surgery weight of 323. I LOVE MY BAND! Julie

Hi all! It's been a while since I've posted on any Lap-Band board. I thought I would check in at spotlight and re-introduce myself and get support because I know that I need it. I don't know why I let my busy life get in the way of posting because I realize that posting and keeping helps me to be more successful! My name is Melinda, I go by Mindy on most Lap-Band boards. I live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I have been married for 14 years to a wonderful and supportive husband. He supported me 100% with my decision to be banded. He was never one to say anything to me about my weight in the first place, but he knew I would never truly be happy until I had l…

I'm still recovering. I was just banded on Monday. I have no idea if I've lost weight or not. Heck it's only been two days. I'm just happy to be on the road to a healthier me.

Hi to my fellow banders. I am looking forward to the success of this site. Spotlight is good but I feel this one can improve on the weak areas.

Hi everyone; I've been "lurking" for the past week, gaining valuable information! Had my first consultation, and today scheduled the psych eval and other tests. Can't get in until late in August which is a bummer because I WANT THIS RIGHT NOW!!! Patience isn't a strong suit, but the weight didn't come on overnight so I guess I'll have to be patient a little longer. I'm truly convinced this is the right path for me. I've been overweight for most of my 36 years of married life. My husband has been wonderful; never complained about my enormous weight gain (90#'s) and has always put up with my crazy dieting patterns. I guess that's what true love is. But now I want …

Hi my name is Chrissy, i am a 27yo from New Britain Ct. Recently banded 7/8/03, down 26lbs (yeah!!!) with no fill. Just wanted to introduce myself.

Hi, I just found this site. I had my Lapband surgery April 11, 2003 and am doing great. I have lost 62 pounds and am feeling great. I've had two fills (had one just last week) and I am just getting back to normal food (the second fill has been tough, but I have lost 6 pounds in 5 days!). Can't wait to keep reading posts! :banana

Hello, I was banded by Dr Kuri in Tijuana Mexico november 2001. I started at 385+ pounds and have last weighed 258 with a weight loss of 124+ I am happily losing and when i get to goal plan a tummy tuck to fish the job looking worward to meeting you all