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Hi, I am a newbie here. I finally agreed with my endocronologist to have a lapband. He had been suggesting gastric bypass for a couple of years, but I was afraid. I have been dieting and exercising since I was 13yrs old, with varying degrees of success. I am 54 yrs old, female, BMI 49.9 with co-morbidities, diabetes, hypertension, GERD and hip/knee joint pain. I am an ICU RN working 12 hr shifts, feeling exhausted. I was told with my HgA1C 9.9 and BMI that I have approximately 10 yrs to live. I am scheduled for the seminar 7/17 in Pittsburgh, Pa with Dr Joseph Colleti. I have a million questions. How long will I be off work or restricted with lifting? How long will it take to get the ball rolling? TIA for sharing information. SweetSmile

Ok, I have surgery in two days (10-18) I'm nervous, anxious!!!! Can anyone tell me what to expect that day??? My nerves ate getting the best of me

Don't stress out about it. Your body is still healing. Losing anything during the healing period is fabulous, let alone 10 lbs! :cursing: Just follow your dietary instructions, don't cheat, drink lots of water, walk and exercise as much as possible and it will come.

Impressive weight loss! And in such a short amount of time. I am amazed. I hope i can do this. when I filled out the psych paperwork they asked 1-10, how successful do you think you'll be. I rated myself a 7. Only because I have done it so many times in my life and I get to that 35 pound mark and slide backwards. I want this to be different.

Thanks Nancie.....I have decided to go with the LapBand. So how are you feeling now that 10 days have passed?

Hello, My name is Wisteria and I have gone through all of the necessary steps to get lap-band surgery; I am just waiting for approval from my insurance company. I am 34 years old and have been majorly overweight for about 10 years now and I cannot get it off! So here I am! I weigh 211.5, my BMI is 41%, and height 5'0". I am pre-diabetic on medication so that is a MAJOR part of my decision. Also of course heart attack and heart disease are both in my family. I have asthma since gaining all of the weight as well as back issues. Had surgery on my back and gained A LOT of weight since then (MAJOR part of my weight gain by the way). Also have sleep apnea and acid reflux. Take several meds and need to sleep with a mask at night. I am just not healthy. I exercise, but it is so hard to when you are big. I have hiked, biked, kayaked, ran, walked, jogged, etc... And I end up quitting after a few months. It is just so hard... especially walking/hiking up a hill! All this weight is killing me... literally! Nice to meet all of you. Glad I am here. I cannot wait for surgery. All the best to you all on your journeys.

I think Kaiser has a program that once approved you go through their program. I think it is either 6 or 12 months. You have to lose 10% of your weight before they will do the surgery. Go into your doctor and find out more. That is where I would start. Good luck.

Hello! I have my first appointment with Dr. Ghiassi this coming week. I'm pretty excited! Dr. Boone did my fathers surgery about 10 years ago and has absolutely loved the support he's gotten from the staff all these years

Hello my name is D and I have been wanting to get bariatric surgery for over 10 years. I did not get GB because I desperately wanted children and when lap-band became an accepted technique I never had the insurance that would cover it. For the last 2 years I have been doing what I can to save up to be self pay and on Memorial Day my parents agreed to go ahead and fund me because the timing seems to be perfect for where I am in my life. So I have chosen the surgery center and as of this moment I am open to whichever doctor is available to do it the earliest. The reason I am so flexible is that 2 people I trust have told me that they would trust any of the 4 to do their surgery if they had to chose all over again. I have my first appointment with dietician and preliminary labs tomorrow at 11:15 so I am really excited!!! My goal is to have the surgery as close to the 4th of July as possible because that will have a lot of meaning for me...independance day, 2 years since my husband and I split and being able to finally get what I have wanted since my mid 20's. Will keep you up to date with progress reports and such!

Veronica - Hugs for your stuggles - Sound like you have restriction.. If you really want this to work then you have to be prepared to do the work cuz girlfriend the real work is up to you.. Being full w/the band is a different sensation that pre band - well at least it is for me - I will be physically full (eat 4 oz of Protein - then sit and think about your pouch ) I bet you 10 to 1 you will be full - Are you following the rules and eating pt 1st.. How much do you eat - what are you eating - are you exercising?? Go back to the basics - do the 5 day pouch test (google it) then when you move back to regular food - make sure you keep a food diary – track your pt – calories and exercise - keep your calories between 900-1200 and vary them daily and get minimum 4 days of exercise.. Besty - I really feel that WLS is advertised to be the fix all to our fatness - that it's the answer - when it's only a tool - to help us lose the weight - I feel that so many pple think that the surgery is going to do the majority of the work for them - so you aren't along in that presumption IMHO I have done 75% of the work by changing my eating and exercise habits and the band did 25% with it's restriction For me my band doesn't take away my hunger - ya it keeps me full on a smaller amount of food (as long as I follow the rules and always eat hard protein 1st) - but that doesn't stop my brain from wanting more food- it doesn't stop me from craving sugar and fried foods and I can eat all the candy in the world and the band isn't going to stop me.. If I chose to - I could eat around my band 24/7 and I am at my sweet spot - so truly yes restriction helps but it's more about your food choices - I eat healthy 98% of the time and allow for indulgances 2% The band is about restriction yes - but it's also about making the commitment to eat healthy and exercise - You got banded to lose the weight to become healthy - well being healthy is more than being able to eat 1 cup of food per meal.. It's about what you are eating and what kind of exercise you are doing - Peeps losing weight is simple math - consume less calorie (not by restriction alone but by combining it with healthy food choices) and burn more calories by exercising.. What worked for me - Follow the rules - No drinking w/meal - 60 grm of pt a day - low fat - sugar free - limited starches - tiny bites - eat slowly - chew - Always eat pt first then follow w/veggies and if any room have a starch.. Exercise 4 days a week

Hi, VSG friends!! I know this question has been asked a million times but every one of us has different circumstances! So, here I go, and I apologize for this being kinda long to begin with! My name is Dana and I've been married 12 years to my wonderful hubby! We have 2 gorgeous girls (ages 9 & 6) who I homeschool! We've been trying to have one more baby over the last 5 years, but have been unsuccesful. I have PCOS and have been on fertility meds off and on and every time I take the meds, I gain 10 lbs. So, I started out 5 years ago weighing about 225 lbs and I now weigh 288 lbs. We've decided to leave the fertility drugs alone forever, choosing VSG instead and if we have another baby when I get healthy, we'll be overjoyed.....if I don't get pg, we'll count our blessings and move on! I had a friend ask me the other day if we were still trying to get pg. I paused before I answered her because I just didn't want to tell her about WLS!! So, I told her we weren't trying anymore, but I was going to see a dietician in January (not a lie, I am to meet my pre-op requirements!) and see if I can get some help losing weight. Ok, I don't mind telling people I'm having WLS AFTER I've already had it. It's the before part! My hubby is chairman of our church's deacon body and although our church is loving and supportive, I will be the FIRST person to have VSG or gastric bypass in our whole church, not to mention as a person who holds several leadership positions. I'm not at all sure of what reaction I'm going to get. I KNOW a few people would try to talk me out of it and tell me I just need to pray for more self-control....just a few, but I'd really rather avoid any negativity altogether! Do you agree?? If you were me, would you wait until after to tell? The other issue I have is when to tell our parents. With my in-laws, I'm not worried about them being unsupportive necessarily. They won't be thrilled, but I don't think they'd discourage me. It's more that my MIL worries and when she worries she gets horrible migraines! With my parents, it's a bit stickier. I don't have a good relationship with my parents right now. My mom tried to committ suicide for the second time a year ago and it was then that I finally realized that we've had a co-dependent relationship my whole life. I started setting healthy boundaries, my parents didn't like it, so we only see them on holidays/birthdays now. Their choice, not mine, but I decided a year ago that I would be healthy mentally and this year decided that my body needed to reflect the new health on my insides!! Anyway, what would you do? I was thinking about calling and telling both sets of parents the night before my surgery. I think they'd all be upset if we told them after the fact!! I'm having my sleep study done on January 5th, my diet consult and psych eval on January 12th, then we submit everything to my insurance company and I should have a surgery date in February! I'm so excited and feel so blessed that I have a hubby that is so incredibly supportive. I can't hardly wait to start my new life!!! Thank you to those of you who made it through all that!!

Well, hopefully you can get a lot of your questions answered in detail at your appointment next week. I can't help you with the Medicare and surgery date questions. As for your medical conditions, most of those should definitely improve with the surgery and weight loss. Acid reflux may continue to be an issue, as it is one of the common side effects of VSG. Prior to surgery, I often had heartburn and acid reflux when I was at my heavier weights. Meaning it was definitely triggered by obesity, as is common. However, post-op, even though I'm at a lower weight now, my reflux hasn't resolved itself as it had in the past at lower weights, so I am now taking 20mg of Prilosec daily and that keeps it at bay the cvast majority of the time. I have not, however, had any issues with heart burn post-op. Your pre-op and post-op diets will be unique to your surgeon and nutritionist. Some surgeons don't require a pre-op diet at all! Some require very strict pre-op diets. That's definitely something only your specific surgeon and nutritionist will be able to help you with. As for throwing up and bowel problems post-op, again, it's entirely individual. I personally haven't thrown up once since my surgery 19 weeks ago, but some people throw up every single day. I also haven't had any problems with constipation, but for some people it is a MAJOR problem post-op. No matter what, you will definitely have a steep learning curve when it comes to getting used to how much to eat and how fast to eat. I'm 19 weeks post-op and I still sometimes overdo it to the point where I am in extreme discomfort (I feel like I'm going to burst!). With every single meal you will just have to be conscious of how much you are eating, take your time, and listen to your body.

Today is my big day???? I'm nervous and excited all at the same time. I have to be at the hospital for 10 am keep me in your prayers???????????????? I'm praying for everyone having surgery today???? I pray we have a speedy recovery!

I was walking normally the day of, but it took about 10 days to be totally off pain meds. It was a sudden improvement.

Hi, I had Roux-en-y surgery in Oct 2009. At 5'1", I weighed 194 pounds. I got to 132 pounds, a place I was very comfortable at, although 125 would probably be better. I maintained my weight for the first 3-1/2 years, but over the past 6 or so months, I have put on 10-12 pounds. I haven't been separating my liquids and solids probably since the beginning and without realizing it, I was dumping much more than I should have, and I worry that I may have stretched my pouch a bit. Looking for support and am more than willing to offer my support to anyone!

Hello! I've been researching information about the lap-band and feel very strongly about having the procedure done. I'm 32 yrs old, 4'11 and weigh 220 lbs, this is a lot of weight especially for my height!!! I haven't always been overweight, it seems after the birth of my daughter 12 yrs ago, the weight kept piling on. I've tried several diets and even taken pills to loss the weight but i would only drop about 10 lbs average. I know some of you can relate but I'm really ready for a change and hopefully become successful in achieving my goal....................

Hi I am getting ready to start in this new journy in my life . I had the lap band put on in may 2006 maybe lost 50lbs at most and now I am really thinking about the sleeve. I go for my first appointment on 8/10/12 (cant wait)! I guess I am asking anyone who has united (i have the most exsenise one the epo) . I guess I am wondering how other peoples made out with united health . I did not have united with my lapband ,so this is a new ball game for me ! Please feel free to leave any messages to help me out !

I guess I'm still swollen since I have no fill yet and I'm not hungry. I really can only eat about 2 tablespoons of creamed Soup and feel gentle pressure if I eat more. I am trying to get my Water in. I was banded on May 12th. I get my first fill in a month. I hope I don't die of hunger in a week or so when the swelling goes down! Will I be able to Bear it? I've heard of people who still lose significant weight before a fill. I've lost 10 lbs since Mother's Day but that included 1 day of Clear liquids and so far the rest have been "full" liquids---Soups, Protein shakes, etc. i just don't want the Hunger To come back. My hunger is like an Evil Monster that follows me around and haunts me all day long---it's been such a sweet dream to not be Starving the last week. It's so freaking awesome! Thanks to everyone who takes the time to post answers and comments--it's really generous and helpful! I haven't figured out the ticker thing yet. Here's my numbers: highest weight--in the Fall during testing ---205 Before liquid diet for 3 days ---------------------197 today (5 days past surgery) ---------------------187 I'm very short and 187 looks much bigger on me. I am very excited to be on this journey. i can feel this is the right path! yay. hugs to all, BandedKitten

I'm going on my second day post op, I would love some feedback from those that have been here and done that:smile:

Yay for you! Good job on preop weight...be prepared if you get on the scale tomorrow you may have some weight gain, just fluids drops off quickly. I was sleeved on the 19th and i am down 10 since surgery. Had pintos n cheese, frozen yogurt and lemadelines tomato soup today. Plus a protein shake....was a good day. Besides the acid reflux which i know will go away this is the best thing ever...you will see....we are on our way! ~kris

I was banded today. This morning at approximately 10:30 and it's 11 p.m. central time and I feel great! I was in some discomfort when I got home but I kept drinking Water, took liquid Extra Strength Tylenol, napped and then walked around for a bit around the house. I've been moving around quite well all evening. I took the prescribed liquid pain medication around 8 p.m. (my husband had to get it filled today) but it didn't make me groggy. It just took the edge off. I was worried about getting constipated from taking it but I figure I'm only on Clear liquids today. How constipated can I get with so much liquid?! LOL! Just wanted to send out a shout out to those of you who have been so kind to respond to me in the past as I worked toward this goal of getting banded. Thanks!

Hi my name is Sunshine 926. I was banded on 10/2/08. I have lost 20 lbs. I have a lot of questions and it is nice to have a site where other people have questions too. Look forward to to chating with others.:eek:

Congratulations on your new date. Also congratulations on losing 50 lbs. Way to go! You already are a lot healthier with your 50 lb weight loss. You'll be even more healthy once you get the band and lose even more weight. I'm a few days in front of you. My surgery is this Friday, 9/17/10, just 2 days away! I'm nervous and exciting! Your surgery date is right around the corner, too. Best of luck to you!

I had my surgery with Dr. ATkinson on 12/20/08 and am to goal with losing 90 pds. Good luck and you are in good hands with Dr. Atkinson. I was very pleased with the Dr and his staff and never regretted the decision. I go on this website very single morning and have been for the last 2 1/2 yrs and I can't seem to find anybody that has the band for over 10 years. I guess I should not have to worry since I am 58 but if I were young, you might want to ask these questions before and decide on what surgery you want after that. I never had any fills and I have read that the life of the band is somewhat extended from not getting it filled/unfilled. I have read that getting too much of a fill over time sometimes causes slippage and I am not sure what actually causes that. Regardless, I am thrilled to have the band but if I was younger I would certainly weigh the pros and cons on permanent surgery that cannot be removed or eroded down the road. Good luck on your choice and you are starting out with one of the best doctors around.

You should not compare yourself to any others here, everyone loses at a different rate and there are so many factors. You will lose a significant amount of weight over 6 months if you follow the advice of your doctor and nutritionist. If you set a number to it you are only setting yourself up for failure... With that being said it is good to have goals but they should be realistic... One of the things I asked my doctor was how much should I expect to lose... I was told 10-15 lbs a months for the first several months. I was fortunate to lose 100 lbs in the first 6 months and have lost 12 lbs over the past two months. My doctor also told me he could see me being 270 after all was said and done... I've already seen 257 lbs although I gained a bit recently... I do plan on getting to a lighter weight. You should know at one month out how realistic 100 lbs over 6 months is for you on your journey good luck!!!