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Hi Y'all! I'm Amy from Texas, I'm not yet banded but I have my first visit with a bariatric specialist on Januray 4th, 2007. So I have been out scouting around for a support system that looked fun and helpful... this place beats the rest I've seen. I will be going to Dr Richard Collier in Conroe. Al little about me... I am 35, a recently remarried mother of two pugnacious preteen kids (and I say that with love! hehehe no - really they are great, but don't tell them! ). I love creating art and craft projects, singing, dancing, raising ponies, cooking and baking. I am 5'1" and I am starting at about 238 lbs. I figure my goal is somewhere in the 125-130 lb. neighborhood maybe, as that is around where I was in college before all this weight started showing up. I was no skinny-minnie, but that size worked for me. But really my ACTUAL goal is simply to be able to ride my ponies again without being cited for pony abuse!:nervous I am really looking forward to having this procedure done so I can get on with my plans. I think I do have realistic goals for weightloss speed and the amount of effort it will actually take to use this tool. I know, Rome wasn't built in a day and neither was my butt! What I am hoping is that, with this tool, I will be able to remove food as an object of obsession and make it what it is supposed to be - a necessity. Trust me I DO know what I'm SUPPOSED to eat (wink), my problem has just been the "wanna" behind it and my T-Rex-like apetite! Hopefully, having physical restrictions put on my intake ability, I can refocus my head on what I need to eat and making the most of nutrition in that smaller stomach space! I look forward to meeting a lot of you on here, so you can help me through my wobbly times and cheer me when I am being a good girl! :clap2: Toodles! Amy

Some insurance carriers (many, as it seems!) just flat out refuse to cover bariatric surgery period. Some will cover the RNY but not LapBand.

Hi Helena, I also went thru a 6 month supervised diet program connected with the hospital I went to and it was good to have the diet and all the tests done by the bariatric center. It was very convenient and I developed a good working relationship with the staff. The diet was kind of a formality for insurance purposes but I did lose close to 10 pounds so that was good. I don't think you have to worry about losing too much - it just shows you are serious about doing what it takes and will use the band as tool. I'm envious of you only having a 12 week diet - it took me 9 months to get all my pre-op testing done. (hectic life) I felt like I was having a baby but just like a pregnancy, the results will be totally worth the wait. The surgery was no big deal at all. Good luck to you!! Smilliegal

Good evening, Unfortunately yes, Even though I thought the nutrional and psych counseling was a big waste of time and money but I had to play the game. The longest part for me was getting the paper work from my PCP. His office staff is not the smartest. They kept faxing in various months of my dietary plan opposed to sending in 2 three consecutive months or 6 months of documentation. Finally, the office manager took care of everything. All she placed on all six months of diet documentation was: The month (make sure they are consecutive with Aetna) The dosage of Phentermine my weight each month and the doctor stated that he provided nutrition information. Medical history that proved that I have been overweight for the past 5 years and the Bariatric surgeon requested bloodwork and EKG. Thats all I started the process on May 18th 2007 with my consultation May 21st (nutrition counseling) June 3rd (psych counseling) June 28th (office visit: EKG, bloodwork, etc) then at the end of July my doctors office faxed over all documents and the insurance company approved me. I hope this helps...if not..... Please feel free to ask me any question....as I will be happy to respond.

Looking for Old Goat Buddies just Banded or in the Process. To share are current struggle with the bulge and hopefully make it work for all of us this time. My definition of an Old Goat is a Male of Retirement age or Older just like ME in pursuit of a heather Body that’s able to wear much smaller clothes. Now about me - 70 years old, 6 foot tall since 16 till I got checked for my BMI they tell me I am only 5’ 11-3/4” BMI 42.2 WGT 309 Top WGT 333 Charts say should be under 170 Wow 190 would sure be nice. Live in Kansas City and working with The Bariatric Center of Kansas City and DR Hoehn For me the thought of possible eliminating My Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, sleep Apnea, and Reflux. Or at least reducing the Medication would in itself make the Lap Band worth it and Weight Loss well nothing is required to be said for us. As for the Ladies think you are great have three Daughters and a loving Wife for 44 years would just like to try to make this trip with Old Goats First. But if I have to work with Women younger than my Daughters to get err done than that’s what I will do. I will also post this in the Men’s Room if you would like to Buddy with me.

Hello Krista and welcome to LBT! Research is a great first start. I would also contact my insurance to find out their requirements and what bariatric doctors are in the network. As far as giving up certain foods forever. I was never told that by my doctor. I was always told I can all foods types, but just in modification. Now I know there are some people who are not able to eat certain foods because it does not agree with their band. I am not one of those people and I am able to eat small portions of all food types. Good luck with your research!

I am a life long dieter...read a journal I wrote when I was 8 and even then I was talking to myself about losing weight. I've been a pauing member/meeting attender with WW for numerous years and although I love the program, I still struggle with portion control, emotional eating and general grazing. I see a therapist to help with the emotional aspects...and that has helped. I do WW and that has helped...especially with improving overall healthy food selections. But......highest weight of 273 led me to a WLS Seminar in December 2010. I am lucky to live near a Bariatric Center of Excellence. Went for my first consultation a week later. My insurance covers the VSG and I passed the "exceeds a BMI of 40" test with flying colors. Now I am faithfully following the WW program while I navigate the insurance approval. My therapist wrote my psych evaluation and I attended a WLS Support Group Meeting. I plan to continue to attend those as continue towards surgery. I have even purchased all the stuff for the two week preop diet (got to shrink that liver!). I've lost almost 7 pounds since the seminar. I'm looking forward to having the surgery and moving on. I want to decrease the grehlins, enfirce portion control, continue WW, and WLS support group meetings. I'm hoping this site will be a great source for ongoing support and advice as well. Bring on the VSG!

At the seminar, my Bariatric Center said a girl would be calling with my 7 appointments-- I almost freaked!! Yep, 3 hospital tests, psych eval with psychiatrist, two visits to the pulmonologist, one to the cardiologist (plus the stress test back at the hospital!)--then I had to schedule my six monthly visits to the nutritionist my insurance company required. Mix in two visits to my PCP trying to get my letter, and then another complete battery of tests at the hospital before surgery. Your story, as Jack so aptly stated, is OUR story. And yes, the co-pays (PTL for insurance) were wretched--in a year when gasoline is at a premium, the Bariatric Center is 50 miles from home, with the majority of the doctors at least that. And yet none of it will be enough to claim on the income tax... :think My final words to you are: IT IS SO WORTH IT!!!

Hi there My name is annette. I have only 4 days to go , and like you im pretty worried about the surgery too, I think this is probably normal. Im worried about the whole hospital stay and yes also about the life changes afterwards, I will certainly answer any questions you may have after I go through my surgery , Annette Hello my fellow Bandmates, I am so excited, nervous and slightly apprehensive at this time because this is a new chapter that is about to begin in my life. I have never taken a risk my whole life that would essentially change me from the inside out. I am excited because finally I get the chance to become healthy while losing weight. I am nervous because I am scared of surgery in general and the risk associated with it. I also feel a little apprehensive because this is a significant life change and I wonder will I be successful. I went to a support group last week and many said that this is hard work, but they all felt motivated to get healthy. It also encouraged me because I know that I can do it now and that everyones weight loss is different. Dr. Enochs wants to do a Gastric Plication in combination with the LapBand which means to fold the stomach in on itself and stitch it up. Gastric Plication (LGP) as a bariatric procedure. It promises to be a method that gives weight loss results as good as sleeve gastrectomy without the risks associated with that procedure. He says that I would require a liver reduction diet two weeks prior to surgery and he wont know until he opens me whether or not he can do it. This is basically an experimental procedure that is supposed to increase weight loss so I hope it works for me. Im just asking for your prayers and advice that may help me right after I am banded. Your comments will be appreciated. Thanks-FeFeButterfly <BR class=spacer_>

Hello Everyone, I just had my gastric sleeve done on 02/28. To date so far I have lost 13 pounds in on week. I have about a 130 pounds to lose but I am happy I am on my way. I really dont have much pain. I am little slow moving around because I still have a little discomfort. The first week was a little difficult because whenever I would eat or drink I would get a bubble feeling in my chest. After reading many of the posts I started taking prilosec. It has helped tremendously! I am getting ready to start walking everyday and once I am feeling better I will start running. I am not starving but the smell of food I used to eat does attract to me but I am still staying on course. My only problem has been the Protein shakes. I was taking the Bariatric Advantage shakes but they are just disgusting to me now. I also tried the Isopure but I cant stand it. So now I am doing the Atkins and muscle Mlike shakes. At first I was having some regrets but after seeing my weight loss in the last week I am feeling much better.

I'm looking for recommendations for a St. Louis, MO area surgeon. I'm not 100% sure which surgery I'm doing but am leaning strongly towards the sleeve. I've been to Dr. Van Wagner's seminar and was impressed. I've also been extremely impressed with the service his office has provided thus far. I'm attending the MyNewSelf seminar by Dr. J. Stephen Scott tomorrow night. I want to make sure I pick the best surgeon (most experience, least # of issues, etc) in the St. Louis area. Both are Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence surgeons. Thanks in advance for input that may help me with my choice of surgeon.

I think you've self identified some of the real problems like that you're a stress eater and you don't always follow the rules but 2 things really stick out to me. First of all you are dismissing the weight you've lost. You're describing it as a "measly 20 lbs" but when you were at 249 you'd lost 10% of your body weight. That's not a small accomplishment. Too often we get caught up on the # of lbs we've lost and don't take into consideration the fact that not only our our metabolisms different our entire body make-ups and structures are different. For instance I would love to weigh 277 that would be 10lbs less than I weighed in college at what definitely felt like the peak of my physical form but for you that was just a starting point. Don't dismiss your progress just because it doesn't fit your preconception. Second of all you've identified you have a behavioral component to your eating and as you've identified the band is just a tool but specifically it's a mechanical tool. It is easy to figure out how to eat around our bands which is why we have to focus on our habits first and foremost. I would really encourage you to try and find a bariatric support group where you can talk about your eating and exercise habits with others who understand. If you're too shy to do that or there isn't something available near you then I'd encourage you to identify a person on the forums here who posts frequently and generally says things you find insightful then ask them to be your friend and start exchanging messages or emails regularly. Having someone to talk to one on one can make a huge difference.

Hi jgandg. A couple of comments; I've had several patients not lose weight for a while then "get it" and somehow they begin to understand how to use the band to lose weight and their weight comes off. It's very important to follow the eating principles that make the band work best. If you do this, then you will notice the decrease in hunger. Unfortunately, gastric banding doesn't work the same for everyone. All bariatric surgeons know this and we can't explain why (even though we have a lot of theories). But one thing is for sure, following the general guidelines, often provided by your surgeon, is absolutely necessary for long-term success.

Hi Sarah, I am only 2weeks out and down 12 pounds out of the 100 I want to lose. So I am not as experienced as some of the others on this site with going through this, but I do have professional experience in bariatrics as well as an excellent bariatric clinic where I am patient. That said, I can tell you the biotin is a great idea and works for some but not all. Check with your dr. on the type of calcium you should be taking, the type makes a difference. Calcium citrate rather than calcium carbonate is more easily digested by the stomach. If your dr oks that, it may help reduce some of your gastric reflux, but not certain. The best way to know if you are getting enough fluids is to look at your pee. If it is light and clear and does not have a strong odor, you should be ok. Maybe you need to try something different from prilosec. My dr put me on pepcid twice a day even though I have been on prilosec for years. I hope some of this info is helpful. Glad you found this board for support.

I can see why he wants to make a poster of your transformation you look fantastic and have done so well, you are an inspiration to us all. I was only sleeved 2 weeks ago so seeing the difference in you is amazing. BUT I also understand the body image issues, I hate getting my picture taken and I seriously doubt I will ever have my picture taken until my driving license needs renewing.

My before's #byefelicia Follow me https://m.facebook.com/Bariatric-Anonymous-895491030579759/?tsid=0.4175582400057465&source=typeahead Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@Goodlife1206: My apprehension has abated some, now that I've talked to my psychologist. The more I think about it, the more I realize that my positive attitude and determination will give me the strength to help me see this journey all the way through. I cannot let the fear of the "unknown" or fear of "failure" stop me from doing what I know is right in my heart, which is living a healthy, successful lifestyle. I, like you, have tried a 'gazillion' times only to tell myself, "This is just too hard, can't do it." But I have come to the conclusion that if I can quit smoking cold turkey after 30 years of putting my body through unnecessary sickness, then I can spend the next 30 years trying to make up for it by treating my body right. Attitude is everything, my friend. Thank you for your post and good luck with your journey. I am here if you'd like to talk further. Well, I went for my psych evaluation today and just as I suspected...I am certifiably crazy lol. Actually, It wasn't quite as bad as I thought it would be. Dr. and I talked for about 30 minutes, then I took a computer test and two short paper tests, which consisted mostly of common sense questions, my opinion about myself and basically making sure I had the good sense to follow instructions and maintain my weight and health with serious dedication. After all was completed, Dr. let me know after evaluating all my tests that his recommendation is "I am a good candidate for this surgery". Again, the only apprehension I have is the fact that 85% of my stomach will be permanently removed and I just want reassurance (especially from previous patients) that, provided I follow instructions and recommendations, there won't be any "ongoing, major complications". After all, once I do this, there's no turning back. I believe in my heart and soul that I have the desire, determination, will power and support to make this a successful journey. I've done my homework through research, reviews, asking a lot of questions, weighing my options, etc. I quit smoking cold turkey on May 27, 2014 and have lost 17 pounds from 06/25/14 through today's date (07/17/14) simply by following the 'pre-pre diet' my bariatric clinic recommended to help me get used to the upcoming pre/post surgery diet. So far, so good. I plan on keeping a journal and updating everyone so that if anyone has questions, just as I have, maybe my personal experience can help them through and make their transition experience a little easier for them. I will post pics soon. Again, feel free to question or comment on your personal experience so I can get a "heads up" on your trials and tribulations of the sleeve surgery. Thanks for all your input!

In 2010 and at my highest weight (315 lbs), I was told by my primary care doctor that because of health conditions related to my weight, there was a big possibility that I would not see my daughter graduate from high school. I think of this as my wake up call and is when I asked about bariatric surgery options. After much research and discussions with my family, I decided to go with gastric banding and had the surgery in April 2011. It has been a bumpy road caused by issues with my port and even though I have not reached my goal weight, I know the surgery was the best decision I could have made for myself because I am healthier. I no longer have diabetes or high blood pressure, I can move easier and as I grow stronger physically, I am getting my self confidence back. Best of all, I got to see my daughter graduate from high school. Hopefully, my port issues have been resolved and I can continue on with this life changing journey.

Oh sorry this was the first method of weight loss back in the 90's here is the definition Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG), also known as stomach stapling, is a restrictive operation for weight control. Both a band and staples are used to create a small stomach pouch. In the bottom of the pouch is an approximate one-centimeter hole through which the pouch contents can flow into the remainder of the stomach and thence onto the remainder of the gastrointestinal tract. Back then it meant being opened up and not using laparoscopy will say it hurt will not lie but I did it again hoping for better results seems the lap band has better results and if something goes wrong it can be removed easily well surgery anyway not removing a band. Go to this link to see a picture http://www.docshop.com/education/bariatrics/gastric-banding/vbg

Hi there! I'm from Ontario (way up north in Thunder Bay) too! In a few days I'll be 7 months post-op (RNY). I had my surgery here in Thunder Bay and had no complications. So far I've lost 74 lbs in total (about 8 of those were during the pre-op Optifast phase). I've been struggling a little for the last couple of weeks - not eating more, but making bad choices as to what I'm eating (CARBS!). Thanks to the support of the TBay Bariatric Centre and my personal trainer I feel like I am back on track. This site is another fantastic support. Hearing how others struggle and meet their challenges makes me feel not so alone, and the success stories are a great inspiration & motivation! Good luck to you on your journey!

@@HappygoSusan 2+ years PO 130 lb weight loss!!! GOAL!!!! can't get much better than that!!!! I agree the word support is very important whether it comes from your docs office/ Bariatric Pal, and or family having support from everyone - how great is that glad things are continuing to go well keep up the good work for the rest of your healthier, happier, longer life happy surgiversary with many more to follow good luck kathy congrats

Did your surgeon recommend one? There are so many! I am starting pre-op on 12/3 and I am using Bariatric Advantage. Unjury is also super good. Some people like Premier Protein, and others like IsoPure

If you're going by yourself, try to contact a coordinator, I used Bariatric Pal, they give you full service, they can even pick you up at the airport and drive you back, you won't need to look for a hotel, after two days in the hospital, they take you to a really nice recovery house with 24 hours valet service, cable, long distance calls, wifi.. etc.. I had a great experience with them, my doctor was Dr. j. Lopez, but they have more doctors in their team, they are all well experienced, but most important of all, you won't have to worry about anything.. GOOD LUCK

Hello everyone. I've struggled with weight almost my entire life. Now, I'm only 19 as of April, but growing up and living in today's society is a struggle. Luckily I was hardly ever bullied on growing up in school. They had the "decency" to laugh behind my back. I'm a social butterfly whenever it comes to people. Growing up I had a lot of friends, and to this day I only speak to TWO of the ten friends I used to have and hang out with. I'm glad that they are still with me and have encouraged me through everything. Whenever I was a Junior(2011), near the end of my last semester I had decided for the first time about having Bariatric surgery. At the time I was at 416 pounds. Whenever I saw that number pop up on the weight scale I just thought about a tiger. I weigh as much as a full grown tiger. I was so embarrassed. Whenever she read the number out loud to double check I just about lost it. I never thought I would ever get to this weight. My surgeon told me that my next appointment would be in about 4 months. He had said to follow my diet and to have lose close to 40 pounds. I felt that was easy enough seeing as how overweight I was and that I knew that if I tried that I could lose over that amount. After the seminar was over and I met with my surgeon I was feeling more than ready. I was feeling so excited and ready to start my new life. Next I speak with the dietician and then it hits me again. Just hearing myself tell her everything I consume in one day was just phenomenal. I couldn't believe it! I left that day with a diet plan and a change of mind! After following the diet for about a month I just started feeling like I was wanting to give up. I was feeling depressed as I lost some weight. It wasn't happening fast enough for me. Sadly, I fell out of the Bariatric process. I was so disappointed in myself. Soon after that I just gave up entirely. I started eating worse than ever before. I wouldn't go anywhere near a scale. I was so intimidated by them. Also, I forgot to add that I've been in Marching Band since the 8th grade. Because of all of this my band unifor.m started getting tighter, and tighter. At the end of the marching season I could barely zip it up. I was so ashamed. After I graduated (2013) I had met an amazing guy named Ryan. I started dating Ryan June 21st, 2013. He was my everything. Soon after about 5 months things started turning for the worst. We would fight constantly and it would never end well. Being with Ryan for the first 5 months I had lost around 15 pounds if I had to guess. We were on and off for a little while after. Finally I done a little maturing I had considered Bariatric surgery yet again. This time was the real deal. So I packed up with my mom and Ryan and off to Indianapolis we went. I went through the seminar and everything was fantastic. After everything was over and we got back in the car my mom had called my dad and told him how much he would have to pay (half because of the divorce.) My mom fell silent on the phone and then said, "Okay well we will be home in about 3 hours." After she hung up I asked what was said and she said that he told her he just couldn't afford it. I was completely heartbroken. I was so devastated. Yet again, I thought it was too late. I didn't want to try anymore. Months after that Ryan joined the gym and we both would walk down there. The gym was 3 blocks away from my house so to start off we would walk down there and he would work out and then walk back. I was so winded from walking those 3 small blocks I could find it in me to exercise. Eventually I started working out and I wanted to actually stay over there for an hour and a half working out, and then would walk back home. I started feeling so much better. After a while, Ryan and I weren't doing all that well so I lost all motivation to go. Again, with the giving up. Anyways, here I am in 2014. I'm 19 years old and weigh approx. 380 pounds. Ryan and I are doing extremely well and just had our 15 month anniversary September 21st. He is supporting me as well as my dad and his sisters (my aunts). I meet with my surgeon December 2nd to discuss the possibility of having the Sleeve procedure done versus the RNY. I'm in this 100% this time and I hope to be able to have a happy life for as long as I'm allowed. As soon as I get closer to my surgery date, (whenever that is) I will be uploading pictures on my progress. If anyone has any advice for me I would be so grateful to hear it. Thank you (:

You can check out Dr. Gagner on Obesityhelp.com He was in Florida for a short time, and then went overseas to teach the sleeve and other bariatric and lap procedures to surgeons in Europe. I believe the last I saw on the Florida forum, he is now practicing in NY. He's one of the best, and has a phenomenal reputation. I have zero personal experience with him. But, his name came up during my research for my revision. Unfortunately, he was already in Europe when I was able to get my insurance stuff figured out for revisions. I liked his stats, his patient testimonials, and the sheer fact that he is a well rounded surgeon, not just for bariatrics. I did independent research as well on him as I did with many US and Mexico surgeons. And of course, there is the Weill Cornell Medical Hospital in NY, New York. Again, no personal experience, but their guidelines, stats, and reputation for bariatric procedures are well respected and documented. Best wishes in your research. I know one member here (bushidomaster) is having his surgery in NY, but I don't remember his surgeons name. You could find him through the member list at the top of the forum, and possibly shoot him a message.