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Welcome Dan !!! Congrats on being banded and your weight loss. It seems like you are off to a great start! Kep your head up and keep up it up with the great work!

had a brain tumor, and surgery...used it as an excuse to stop working out and eating poorly....hopefully i learned from that experience. not happy about doing having do do the weight thing all over again, but at least i know it works, and i can do it. marcia

I will be banded on July 30th. I feel hesitant, but I'm going for it, remembering my initial reasons for wanting to do this. A little about me...I am a 53 year old school teacher in Texas. I have been overweight/concerned about weight most of my life. I have been semi-successful two times losing weight on my own, but I never reached the goal. I really hope this surgery will help me stay on track to finally reach a healthy goal weight - one in which I feel satisfied and confident about the way I look and feel.

I am new to the forum and haven't done this type of thing before so I hope I am doing it right! Not banded yet but finishing up preop requirements for insurance and should be scheduled end of April. I would love more info on life after banding, the good and the bad. I have read alot about people fighting hunger in the first couple months and even gaining weight! Is this going to be enough? I am not considering bypass because it is to radical for me. New gastric sleeve procedure sounds like the best way to go but my ins won't cover. I would love to hear from some of you who are postop and have any helpful hints! Good luck to everyone out there fighting this battle to improve health and happiness!

How do you get one of the weight loss tickers?

Nicely done - both the video and your weight loss. Congratulations!

My initial appointment with my WLS surgeon is in 6 days...and I’m 100% committed to showing up and beginning this process of healing my mind, my body, my soul. 31 years of destroying it have caught up with me and now my body is screaming that it’s hurting...if I don’t turn this around it’ll give out. I had appointments for consults scheduled over a year and a half ago but kept backing out and in that time I gained close to 80 pounds, blood pressure/cholesterol/heart rate and sugars climbed, other things declined...my whole body hurts. It’s time for surrender and change. I’m going to that appointment on the 25th...NO EXCUSES.

Hi-I've been reading the forum off and on but finally decided to join in. I'm almost completely new to the process, having only gone to a Mt. Carmel info sesssion earlier this year. No paperwork, but did inquire about it with my insurance carrier who told me no, no, no in no uncertain terms. I am still moving forward and building "the fund" just in case it's all on me. I just celebrated by 51st birthday and am weary of fighting the weight battle. My hubby had the bypass surgery several years ago in Cleveland and has had good success. Had I not been in denial I would have done something then as well, since our insurance carrier at the time was more agreeable. I want to have the lapband so am really interested in what people have to say about the surgery, the costs etc.. I am particularly interested in the docs at Mt. Carmel East. But am willing to consider other providers in Ohio. Thanks for this venue. It helps to know that I'm not alone. :tongue:

Hello all pre/post banders and everyone in between. I am a newbie to this site, and within the last 24 hours or so have begun to find it so helpful. I have been considering lap band for a few years now. Just recently I finally took the step forward to becoming a healthier me. I had to complete a 6 month metabolic program which consisted of me seeing a nutritionist once a month, a phsyc visit, a weight loss meeting, and a lap band seminar. I finally completed all of the necessary requirements this past April . I got my pre-surgical referral to see this wonderful doctor...Dr. Shayani. I have seen nothing but the best reviews about him and his staff. I highly recommend him. As of April 19th I completed all of his post surgical requirements, which were an esophogram, phsyc approval, and some lab work. Now I am impatiently waiting to schedule my surgery. Currently I am 241lbs 5'3in . My goal weight is 140-145. But we shall see. I think I will be happy at any weight around that number, I will know when I am comfortable with my body again. I am not really nervous far as the surgery goes. What’s bothering me is how my body will adjust to the weight loss. I know I need to work out, but I'm not sure if my body will keep up since I would be losing weight at a more rapid pace. With that being said has anyone (mainly females) had problems with sagging skin, or droopy boobs? I contacted BC/BS of IL and inquired about cosmetic surgery. Happy to say it is something that covered under my plan with a referral. Can anyone can give me a little insight as to what I have forward to looking to far as this waiting game, and post op care, any and all comments, suggestions, and words of encouragement are all greatly appreciated. Thank you and I wish everyone much continued success on your journey!! :wub:

Just a quick hello to introduce myself. I have my surgery scheduled for Feb 12th!! I live in the Memphis, Tn area. I have a total of 125 pounds to loose and would love to hear from any of you that have been successful with the band and loosing this amount of weight. Thanks for all of your future support and advise---I know I will need it! Lauryn

Don't give up Lacey, you can find support here. Many of us fall off the wagon every now and again -- you can get back up, just as we have. You just need a little support to get rolling ... consider it done! You say you have "rheumatism", we don't use that term "medically" much here in the U.S. anymore, but I read that it is still used in other countries and can sometimes mean "fibromyalgia". Are you on pain meds for it? I have spinal stenosis (which is actually arthritis of the spine) which can be very painful. I had back surgery in 2004 and cannot run anymore, but I walk. I walk 1 1/5 miles 5 days a week. Every week or so I add another 1/4 mile. What I have learned about arthritis is that a body in motion stays in motion. So, if I don't move I will continue to be stiff and in pain. Do I wake up some mornings feeling like "nooooo, I can't do it"? Yes, I do, but I do it anyway because I have found that I am getting stronger. My Ortho told me that while my spinal stenosis will not get better, the weight loss and strengthening of the muscles around the spine from exercising will help make my back stronger. He was RIGHT! Wow! So, if you don't have fibromyalgia, but you do have arthritis, start small and slow (and be sure to take pain meds -- I take Tylenol arthritis because it is time released). I don't know how much you weigh so I don't know if you are morbidly obese or obese or what. But, exercise is a big part of this journey. You may want to start with the food as suggested by hokiemama and move on to the exercise when you have lost a few pounds more. YOU CAN DO THIS Lacey! Just don't be too hard on yourself. You are not in a race with anyone. Doesn't matter how long it takes, just keep trying. It will get better. You are NOT failing. All the best to you on your journey! ~Fran

Im in Alberta too, This is what I've been doing, what is the difference now?and when you dieted before? Do you have all your weight you want to loose? Im looking at an appointment for August or september I wish I could make my mind up and do it the next day

<p>I would say my best advise is take off at least 1 week, start walking right away, and buy plenty of different kinds of Protein drinks. I bought a variety and it helped because you get bored drinking the same thing meal after meal. </p> <p> </p> <p>Also, reward yourself for small goals. It helps. THe first 4 weeks were the hardest for me. I thought I would never make it though the liquid stage. I, however, lost alot of weight during that time.</p>

I've always been overweight. I honestly can't remember a time when I wasn't. But it's crazy how when you're a kid, you're not fat, obese, or whatever, you're cute and chubby, and the extra weight that you're carrying is no need for concern. But as you get older that quickly changes and you're no longer perceived as chubby and cute, and the extra weight has become a major problem, not just for yourself, but for others as well. I wonder if any of you can relate to this. I've struggled with my weight my entire life. I know many people say this and it's as if they're just talking, but I've actually been the biggest person in my class, school, church, etc. It was rare that I would see someone that was just as big as I was, if not bigger. I've tried different diets, exercise plans, supplements, nothing has worked for me. If I did lose any weight, it was a short-lived accomplishment. I've struggled with deeply rooted insecurities that only further fueled my horrible relationship with food. I have struggled with anxiety and depression for years because in my mind I could never get to that perfect weight or body. Just a constant battle with myself for most of my life. It has taken a great deal of trial and error for me to get to where I am today in how I see myself, physically and otherwise. I have come to love myself and my body and I feel that there's nothing wrong with loving who or how you are physically, mentally, spiritually, and yet you feel the need to change a part of you. I believe most people would associate this with insecurity, but I beg to differ. I believe that it is the reasoning behind the decision to change that makes the difference. While I have learned to love and appreciate my body for all that it has done and continues to do for me, I am also very aware that carrying over 200 pounds of extra weight is not healthy for me. I want to have children one day and I don't want to put them or myself at increased risks because of my weight. I don't want to be at an increased risk of high blood pressure, sleep apnea, diabetes, or congestive heart failure. These things run in my family and I don't want to be next in line. I want more for myself. I haven't went swimming in years, but I remember how good it felt to feel weightless in the water, how peaceful and serene it was for me. I view this surgery as an opportunity to experience life in a different way. Even though I can walk or run at the weight I currently am, I know that my body will feel a lot better walking and running with less weight being carried around. Even though I can go swimming now, or travel the world just as I am right now. Simple things such as "will I fit in this seat? Will they have clothes my size? Is there going to be a lot of walking, etc...". I don't think many people understand the daily struggles of an obese individual. Yes, we're all aware of the "health concerns" associated with being over-weight. But not many people are aware of those small things that affect us daily such as standing for extended periods of time, back and body aches, getting winded or out of breath easily, etc. I've made the decision to have gastric-bypass surgery as I'm confident that this is the tool that I've been missing to help me finally be successful in my weight-loss journey. I'm nervous and excited, but in the end I know this is the best decision for me. I'm interested to meet anyone who would like to go through this journey together, no matter where you are in your own journey. I'd love to hear from you all and know how you're doing and if I can be of some help to you, even if it's just a kind word. Good Luck! And Blessings to you all!

Congrats on your band!!!!!!! I have not done my yet but I will be soon!!! Gongrats on the weight loss so far!

Hello all. I've been lurking for about a month now. I'm 22 (23 in may), I'm in my last year of college, from NC but I'm in VA for school. I'm being put back on my mom's insurance, as it will cover 80% of the cost, so I'm waiting for that. I'm hoping the wait period before surgery isn't too long, as once school starts again in August, it will be hard to get any time off. I've been reading tons on here, and you guys are very informative! I've been overweight since I can remember, tried every diet in the book, and it just doesn't work! I eat pretty well, and my work requires me to be active. My problem is eating large amounts, even when I'm not hungry. I make smart food choices, I just go overboard. I'm hoping the lapband can help me curb my eating habits. I'm at an all-time high of just under 300lbs at 5'7" and I'm pretty darn tired of everything associated with being overweight. I want to walk my dogs for more than a mile without being dead tired, I want to go out with my friends at night and have fun without worrying about what other people think, and I want to avoid all of the health risks that will be knocking on my door in a matter of years if I don't get my weight under control! Anyway, I think I've rambled quite enough. I look forward to this, and I can't wait to get started. The only thing I'm really thinking about right now is wait time before surgery. Does anyone have experience with BCBS, and their requirements before surgery? Thanks! Danielle

I was banded 10/25/11 and am starting week 6 solid foods today. I'm shocked it takes me so long to get hungry. My weight loss has stalled even with increased exercise. I know I have another week of healing but I got used to seeing those numbers decrease every day . I consume 1000 - 1100 calories per day and average a 2900 calorie burn per my BodyBugg. I am shrinking in areas so I know my body is making changes . TBM

Welcome Sadie to LBT! This is a great place to get info, encourangment and to express feelings. As for using Kaiser, I cant help much I am self pay. But I have been looking into this surgery for about 5 years.. and here I am.. FINALLY! I am on the path to a lighter me, a healther me! It took me 5 years to totally know for sure and in that time I also tried everything that I had not done before that time to loose weight. I was able to find a doctor that I could afford and that I feel 100% comfortable with. I am excited to be where I am at now.. so.. you just have to do some soul searching and 'homework' if this option is right for you. Best of luck on your journey and let me know how it goes for you!

Hello! My name is Ginger, I had Lap Band surgery on January 28th - so far I have lost 15 lbs. I've had my first fill! I feel better!! I have noticed the pain in my knees I was living with for the past two years is now going away! The only problem I have is being patient with weight loss - - - I feel as though I have been stuck at the total loss of 15 lbs for the past month and nothing is happening!! Any suggestions??:think

Lol, "It's about time?". That comment would be way too supportive. Here's a sampling of some of the REAL comments people hear: "Surgery? That's taking the EASY way out" "Why don't you just try to diet and exercise?" "My friends sister's best friends aunt had weight loss surgery, and she gained all her weight back" "I know someone who DIED because of weight loss surgery. And that was AFTER they gained all their weight back!" Obviously that last one is tongue and cheek, but you get the idea.

I was banded Dec 07/06 i weight 221lbs after pre surgery diet 206 lbs and now i weight 188lbs. it feels that i will never get to were some of you are. but i will keep doing this i can and come to this site when i need some one to lift my spirts and get me thur it one day at a time. so if you are from arkansas or not and want to chat.

Hi Darie, My name's Waynette. I'm being banded July 11th at Baylor Planoby Dr. Nicholson. I have the same amount of weight to loose. I always tell them that I get sick and they'll put something in my IV to prevent the nausea. Good luck on your surgery and you weight loss journey. Waynette

Hi Betsy. Welcome to LapBandTalk! Yes, the long-term complications rate for the band can be scary. This is why I changed my mind and got a vertical sleeve gastrectomy instead. It's a little riskier in the beginning (you can have a leak or a stricture), but long-term complication rates are pretty much unheard of and easily headed off with some Vitamin supplementation. Have you looked at all four ASMBS approved surgeries? Here's a chart that compares them: Weight-Loss Surgeries Compared

Hi. Just had surgery last Tuesday, March 20,2007, in Overland Park, Kansas. I have lost about 15 lbs already. I'm feeling fine, just a little sore and a little weak. Dr Nigro did my surgery. I'm really excited about the future. I weighted in at 301 on March 12. I have my 1st follow up on Wednesday, will be excited to see what I weight on their scales. Still don't have much desire to eat. Drinking enough is a problem, I have never been much of a drinker. I really am trying hard to drink up. ;

Hi all, Just wanted to introduce myself. I am a 38 year old trying my best to get this weight off of me so that I can live life instead of just existing. My body has taken a beating from carrying all these extra pounds around and I want to get better. I am so glad this forum is here for those of us that are struggling with our weight. Nice to meet you all!!