WLS Veteran's Forum

Have lap band since 2008. It was very successful I maintained my weight of 140 from 2009 to 2013. Then suddenly I lost the feeling of any restriction and feeling full. It is like I don't have the band at all. long story short ,surgeon ordered xray, found the pouch was not larger , but chalk Fluid went right through. He refilled the fluid then checked it was still three by extracting fluid 6 weeks later . He said it was fixed. No new x-ray or anything else even though I told him it was still not working at all. Nothing has changed - still no restriction, not feeling full. I can eat even large bites without chewing The weight is coming back . I know what it feels…

I've been taking a PPI for about a year now and today I've done some reading on long-term use. A lot of websites state that it interferes with Vitamin and mineral absorption, causes osteoporosis, increases risk of infections, and rebound acid reflux. A study was done on 1000 people with no prior acid reflux who took a PPI for a certain amount of time and a big percentage of them had reflux issues up to four weeks of stopping. If I miss one day taking a PPI, I have horrible reflux. I'm wondering if I am suffering from rebound reflux and need to wean myself off. Does anyone have any information on this or experienced this themselves?

I am curious if anybody else has experienced this. Remember the good ole days when you just didn't care much about food? You know, for most of us those first 6-12 months post op? At least for me, hunger and desire for food returned and it has taken effort (eating low carb etc) to manage it. I am going through a phase again where food doesn't interest me too much and I am almost 2 1/2 years out from surgery. I don't feel sick, I don't vomit or have physical trouble eating it is more like nothing sounds good. I went grocery shopping last night wandering the aisles for something that sounded appetizing. I came home with an avacado and coffee creamer. I guess with all…

After 2 1/2 years, I'm nearing goal weight & have noticed that I'm starting to have more port site 'discomfort'. I don't know what triggers it. Could it be that I have less fat insulating it? LOL. Anyone else have this trouble? Is this something I should be talking to my surgeon about or is this normal?

This article says that those who have cosmetic surgery after massive weight loss tend to keep the weight off longer/better. The study said those who lost the weight but did not have body contouring surgery gained back an average of 50 pounds. Those who DID have body contouring surgery only gained back an average of 13 pounds. http://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/after-huge-weight-loss-sagging-skin-remains-n44481 I have been contemplating plastics and this goes down in the pro's column for me.

Hi Ya'll - Wanted to know what your typical day of eating looks like. What are your must have's and what foods do you not eat. What has been working for you and if you have any triggers. I need some new inspiration. I have been stalled for a while. I know I need to cut slider foods, focus on Protein and up my working out. Any suggestions or advice would be AWESOME!! Cheers! Tami

Hi all l have lost 5st with a band done by shaw somers, l have been at 11 st 9 for a couple years, would love to loose another st, tend to have lots carbs, is this where l am going wrong ? I do have good restriction, am almost at the top of how much my band will take, look forward to hearing from you Wendy, Would l do it again, like a shot. Xx

Well, my one year surgiversary came and went without any fanfare. I knew it was coming about a week before the date, then completely forgot about it until now. I'm one year and 6 days post op as of today. WOO! Life has pretty much returned to "normal" for me. I eat what I want, when I want, which isn't much. I don't really get my Protein in, I don't take my Vitamins regularly and I'm not following up with my doctor like I should because I no longer have health insurance. I'm a bad, bad girl... That said, I do work out fairly regularly and I'm so pleased to be able to do things like walk up 4 flights of stairs without being winded or run with my stepdaughter outside …

I am two years out - almost. I used to post more regularly but as time has gone by I guess I lurk far more than I post. I have been a caretaker for my mom for a few years as she has faced two metastatic cancers known to be terminal from the start. In that time, however, she has done really well and we have enjoyed trips together and relished every moment. Just under two weeks ago I got married. A week later my mom's health took an abrupt turn for the worse. Now, I have been told she has only weeks to live. For the next few days I have some family support. After that, while I will have hospice to help me with pain management etc, they do not provide any care in the ho…

My company's wellness program holds a contest every year called Weigh to Win. It's an incentive for employee's to take better care of their overall health, to promote healthier eating, encourage physical activity and create a supportive work environment.. It's loosely based on the Biggest Loser idea I think though having not watched that program I can't really say much about it. I know in the past that there has been some major success stories with this contest, and our wellness department is top notch. They will send out motivational and helpful e-mails along the way, and our very own Dr. B will over see the entire event. That said, these are the guidelines: Guideli…

Ran my first ever 5K yesterday and came in at under 33 mins! I challenged myself to run the entire course and I did it;). I could not have done this @ 268 pounds!! I'm so proud of myself for setting a goal and completing it!! I look dorky in the pic, lol!!

Hello! I need advice, feedback, and just to rant a bit! lol... So, I used to be a "Smashing Pumpkin" on here (LBT) ... Banded October, 2008. First year was awesome! Lost almost 100 pounds! Have been maintaining the last 4 years... up and down only 10 lbs, so I've been really lucky. However, I need to get reconnected with my band, and myself. For the past 4 years, I have slimed, and puked almost every day. Some foods work one day, but not the next. Some foods wont work at all. I'm not sure if I'm not chewing enough, bites too big, just bad food, etc... I'm actually afraid to go to the clinic for a check-up bec…

I have been lurking back here for awhile but haven't wanted to post because I have gotten very off track and have gained back 30 lbs of the 60 lbs I lost from surgery. I had surgery in August 2011 with an initial weight of 241 and a surgery day weight of 232. I got down to around 180 in the 5-6 months after surgery and then stalled out. I stayed in the low 180's until December 2012 when I took a jump up into the low 190's. At the time I told myself there was no way I was going to cross the 200lb mark again. I was doing moderate exercise (I am kind of an all or nothing type of person when it comes to exercise) weekly and trying to stay on track with eating but my hunger …

At what point do you think you reached your maximum food capacity post op? I am 11 months out and still can't eat more than 2-3 ounces of Protein (on a great day) or 3/4 cup of non protein, and it's either/or not both at the same meal. I'm not complaining at all, but I am curious. If I eat even two bites of rice with ANYTHING else, I am likely to vomit. If I eat my fill and take even a sip of anything within 20-30 minutes, I am likely to vomit. If I eat a bit of Pasta or bread, I can't eat anything else or BLURP. I don't eat the veggies I should because I want protein too bad and again, I can't eat both. (I am a PETA nightmare, fo' sho.) My only slider is popcorn…

I know I have to add more liquid calories because of the restriction I have. My workouts are currently 2-a days: MWF- weight lifting & swimming TThF- running & biking Sun- rest. I'm training for triathlon as well as obstacle course races. Today I crashed. I also didn't get enough sleep yesterday but that isn't the norm. Suggestions on eating enough calories?

My original goal weight was 180 lbs. Over the past 2 years, I've revised that goal & set it at 160 lbs. I'm 7 lbs away from my original goal weight. Over the weekend, I was looking at some pictures of our recent vacation. We travelled with a group of friends. I had an 'ah-ah' moment when looking at the pictures - I looked like the rest of my friends. I don't mean I looked identical to them but I fit in with the group in terms of weight. I was no longer the biggest girl in the group. In fact, I wasn't even the bigger girl in the group. It got me to thinking about goal. I'm not sure where I'll set my end goal weight. What I do know is that I look like I hoped I wou…

I think it would be to see the different body types and what the most common overweight body type might be. Here's the pic to judge yourself by. Add your type and I'll calculate the results .

I just had all the fluid taken out of my band because i got food stuck at the band. Last night I was trying to eat meat loaf and it all came back up. What the heck is up with this? Hamburger is a soft food!

So since being banded 2 1/2 years ago I've slowly made small changes in my life. From the way I eat, to the type of food I eat, and the way I treat my body. Now, my husband and I have switched to an all natural, organic diet. Besides my birth control pill, everything I eat, drink, or medications I used to rely on, I've found an organic natural solution to. I of course have occasional slip ups (it's hard to avoid living in such a processed world), but when my husband and I decide to get pregnant I will be a pregzilla LOL. There will be no wiggle room for mess ups Part of this lifestyle change has lead me to an interest in all natural, at home birth. I don't want meds at …

Just reading and reflecting on how things have gone over the 2 plus years since having my surgery and the people who really influenced, encouraged and offered their story when I was seeking information about the sleeve surgery. I posted, tell me "the good, the bad and the ugly", I read and read. I prayed, I got to really understand that things can go wrong and do with people and this surgery. I never thought it would happen to me, because I follow the directions to the letter, and now maybe that was a fault. I ended up with an abscess that was caused by my JP Drain being left in for 10 days. Now, my doctor gives antibiotics before surgery and only leaves the drain in…

Not really even sure how to put this because I've never been the whiny type, but while out to dinner on our 16th anniversary (1/17, and he didn't even remember until the day before when I reminded him), from out of the clear blue my spouse tells me that I need to stop talking about my weight loss and when someone asks me how much I've lost I just need to tell them how much better I feel instead of telling them how much I've lost. I've been very open with friends and family, it absolutely was not a secret. Now, he, on the other hand has gained about 30 pounds since my surgery (for which I was blamed... he gained weight because I put too much food on his plate !) I'm w…

So, I'm struggling with this a bit because, even though I'm a vet, I'm not exactly in maintenance, since I'm working on taking off regain. Usually I aim for under 1200 calories, 40g carbs a day, and don't eat back exercise calories, though I occasionally go a bit higher (maybe 100 calories) if my workout's over 500-600. However, the local snow pack is melting, which means my weekend hikes are getting longer these days. I do pack some trail food, but frankly the hiking suppresses my appetite somewhat, and I don't want to get a cramp, and I'm enjoying being distracted from thoughts of food. So, it's not uncommon for me to burn 2000 or even 3000+ calories (as estimated w…

This was a surprise. I used to go every 4 months for a teeth cleaning as I had the early signs of peridontal disease. I guess I got so focused on plastics that I sorta got off track and haven't been in a year. i went yesterday, and they declared my gums much improved, I am now on a normal 2X a year cleaning. I thought that was so strange given the situation - I was expecting bad, not good news. The hygenist mentioned that overall health improvements often bring about improved gum health. Anyone else experience this unexpected NSV?

Co-worker walking past me in the hall "GWAD, you are skinny!" Thank you Lap Band, and thank you to all who have provided me support over the last year.

Does anyone experience lower intestinal burning? and or a burning and acidic taste in mouth in morning after waking

My Dr. diagnosed me with Benign Paroxysmal positional vertigo last week. She said there are exercises to do that will help me. So far, nothing is helping. Some days are better then others. I'm wondering if its something else. I was just in the grocery store with my 3 year old and another episode came on. I truly felt as though I was about to pass out. I had blurry vision, I was very weak and my whole body was shaky. I was dizzy and could hardly stand up. I had help to my car and seriously considered calling 911. I sat in my car for over 30 minutes, waiting to feel well enough to risk driving the 1 mile back to my house. While sitting in my car I called my p…

I was using nothing but stevia during weightloss. When I went into maintenance, I let sugar creep back into my life. I've not gained any weight but ughhhh I feel sluggish and crappy. And the thought of going through sugar withdrawals again is giving me a panic attack. Last time, It lasted 7-10 days. I had migraine and was moody among other things. But I need to do it

I am 2 year's post lap band but new to this app. I have been seeing posts about "sliming". What is this??

I don't take anti depressants and I dont think I am depressed but I do at times struggle with blasts of feeling blue. I wanted to talk about it here because I am trying to understand what is happening to me and think you are all tremendous resources. What happens is that I get short lasting periods of feeling pretty down. It might last 30 minutes ....extreme case it might last a day. Weird thing is it is never triggered by bad news or some concrete clear reason but there must be some cause. My situation is getting better, not worse but I want it to be gone...lol...So I am asking for advice. I also went through a period of really bad anxiety but that is pretty much …

Yesterday I had a candy binge!! Not sure what that was about as I've never had one in 17 months. I tracked all of it though. Today, I'm back on track!! ????

Started having this pain on my left side in rib cage area several days ago. Gets better and worse later in day and them a day or so ago sensitive to touch/kinda burning etc. And another spot on my back - same region. Very touch sensitive and pain. I've read up on it and a co worker has had for several months. It seems it could be beginning shingles pain before rash. I've looked at other things like pancreas, esophagus, rib cage Etc The first night I almost went to emergency room them seemed to resolve itself and not but just a twinge for a day or two now back with a vengeance today and yesterday. Yes. I'll go to Dr but wondering of anyone has had shingles and e…

Mine is..and I say it all the time..and write it a lot..is my all time motivation saying. specially when I standing in front of a cheese cake...lolol "This Body Feels Better, Than (any) food Tastes"

last week i fell at the curb leaving Kohl's i reallllly hurt luckily my ankle moved 'in"/twisted a bit, but all will well!!!! i am hurt and sore all over though so whats my NSV ???? unfortunately i have fallen before in similar situations it always took 2 people - with allll their strength to pull me up its hard to lift 235 lbs of dead weight now it only took 1 person to pull me up guess 130 lbs is much easier to "tug" at hubby came "running" from the parking lot toward me after i was already up after all was said and done, and i we were driving home my DH jokingly said something like "see what happens when you do soooo much shopping at K…

I appoligize for not being banded long enough 4/1/14 but this is where I will find the answers I am looking for, I am 67 and have centurian genes (100+) in my family so you can see my concern am I looking at 3 more placements? tom 747heavy

OK - Went in for my first fill (after 2 years). The dr. didn't know how much I had in so he pulled all my liquid out. Then he had me drink an 8 oz glass of Water. I had to stop 1/2 thru it, but I got it down. I guess I had an air bubble. THEN he wants me to drink another 8 oz glass of water - WHO CAN DO THAT??? I drank some, but it got stuck on my chest and I thought I was going to throw up so I told him so. One of the rules I have is not to gulp water and that is what they want me to do during the test? He doesn't understand what the problem is since my band is now empty. I mean that is a lot of liquid to ask me to drink, isn't it? Is this how other people get fills? …

I was banded in 2008. I lost about 100 pounds but then started having severe reflux. I did the fill/unfill process more times than I even know. I live 4 hours away and felt like I was constantly going back and forth to the office in Durham. In 2011, I had to have my gall bladder out. I had Dr Portenier take it out and he also did a gastric plication at the same time. He said my band looked great. Since then, I have gained 30 pounds and have had constant reflux. Now I can't even lay down without having acid shooting up my throat (and sometimes out of my nose). I really want the band removed, and to get a revision to RNY. Does anyone know if Dr Portenier does this type of r…

Premier Protein now has strawberry... very sweet but I like it. Same stats - 30g of protein, 160cals and I think 5grams of carbs (love the chocolate, hate the vanilla).. Anyhoo... all flavors were $4 off a case today! The premier Protein Bars are also on sale... I think 3.50 off per box. They are high carb though... I also found a new AmyLu product in the fridge section. "Chicken burgers" with cheese and lots of flavor in them. 150 calories, low carb at 2 grams and a whooping 22 grams of protein. I consider THAT a protein bargain! I buy a couple of other protein items at costco regularly - sandwich meat (love the pastrami!), AmyLu's chicken maple Breakfast saus…

I've been at the exact same weight for 5 mths (153), never varying. No matter my logging, working out, no matter what - it never changed. Finally I'm down 2 lbs! I guess it's a start. Also redid my goal weight from 130 to 140 (making my bmi 23.3, so thats great, in my opinion). Figured it might motivate me more if I have only 13 lbs to lose rather than 23. It worked. Now I only have 11. Goal here I come!!!!

I have been reading “The 5 Day Pouch Test Owners Manual” written by Kaye Bailey. It isn’t a well written book but it contains some very useful information. It’s worth $10 to download the Kindle Edition. Bailey isn’t a medical professional. Her information & advice seems to come from her own personal experiences with being banded. So, keep this in mind when reading my post & while reading her book should you go on to read it. Come to think of it, I’m not entirely sure if she was banded or had a gastric bypass but the information she shares is relevant to both. The 5 Day Pouch Test (5DPT) mimics the healing process that we went through following surgery. Day 1 a…

Hi Veteran banders, I've been banded since Feb 2011, and life is pretty good. Lost 60 lbs (although I am short of my goal by about 20 lbs). I still have a "tummy" otherwise things worked they way that they should. I'm happy that I did the surgery, and do not have any regrets.... Although (the reason for my post) !! for the last year, I haven't gotten any fills because I like the level of food I can eat before being "full"... from this regard, I think the band is working how it should. There are a few questions that I would like to ask others to see if I'm not using the band properly, or if I need to go back for an (un)fill. Here is my deal. For the l…

Hi, Thought I'd get a head start on this forum. I am an AF vet -- military police (security forces) -- and always thought that my weight loss success was in my own hands. I've just recently come to the conclusion that this is one battle I can't overcome by myself, no matter how hard I try. Thus the appointment I just made to have lap band surgery. I am also a member on other veteran's forums, and have worked around the VA (and gotten healthcare there) for several years now. I look forward to meeting you and hearing your stories. I checked with the VA, but at least in Colorado, they have no benefits/schedule for weight loss surgery, so I'm funding this one myself.…

Anyone tried this? Supposed to be good source of protein. I'm at goal. I eat a lowcarb style diet but would like to incorporate oatmeal for breakfast once in a while. But need protein with it. This was recommended to be able to add to that. Wondering if anyone's tried it and if it agrees with LapBand

I am experiencing terrible anxiety that not only will I never reach my goal weight but that I will become an epic fail and regain all the weight I've lost. I am almost 14 months post-op and my hunger level feels out of control. Some of the problem is stress which is also out of control and I'm trying to re-engineer how I use my time. But I feel just like I always felt pre-sleeve, like I'm trapped, nothing works, i'm a complete failure and thus should just give up. I know from my highest weight ever back in 2002 I've lost almost 150 lbs but I feel emotionally as though nothing has changed when it comes to my issues with food. The desire and ability to overeat has retu…

Had sleeve surgery 16 months ago. About 5 months ago I got back into occasionally over eating, mainly snak food. This is when I started to throw up. I don't do that anymore but I still get nauseated and must throw up immediately. I am 6 lbs from my goal weight. I got sick on lettuce the other day and threw up. Has anyone else had this issue? I am afraid I will keep losing after I get to goal. How much does everyone eat at this level? I only eat twice a day and I eat very little. I can not eat more times a day because I am so full. Suggestions!

Okay, it is going on two years since I had my surgery and I became a gassy person. I get even if I sip Water. I some times feel bad for the people on the bus because when it comes out the other end and it does all the time it is smelly. I can't stop it. I talk I burp. I walk I fart. I take GasX or Beano nothing. As I typed this question I burped about 20 times and they were not small one. Please tell me this is going to stop. Someone Please

I FINALLY made it!! Today I sit at a 'normal' BMI, not over weight, not obese, no longer morbidly obese. Sure, it's just a number, but wow, it feels great to be able to continue to hit benchmarks along this journey!! I am 17 months out and still losing. Slow but steady wins the race, and I am DEFINATELY going to win this one!!

I've had my lapband for almost 6 years and have always had a problem with getting enough liquids in. It doesn't matter when I drink, before, with or at anytime after a meal (30 minutes or 2 hours) I almost always feel hungry again. It does not matter how much restriction I have. I have had the same problem whether I follow my surgeons 30 minute rule or not. Does anyone else out there have this problem and if so what do you do? Simone

Not an astoundingly new approach but truly what we all have to do and take account of to lose or kickstart weight loss and to maintain. http://www.everydayhealth.com/weight/tips-to-get-off-diet-plateau.aspx?pos=1&xid=nl_EverydayHealthWomensHealth_20140331

I've managed to get off track. I've gained 15-20 pounds back after reaching my goal (lost 100 lbs) because of stress and boredom eating - eating tons of simple carbs and drinking calories. So today, I'm publicly recommitting to going back to the basics. This week, I've already given up the caloric drinks and started back exercising. The last step is getting back to smaller meals consisting primarily of Protein and dealing with stress in other ways. I'm proud of myself for catching it before gaining too much weight. If anyone else is in the same boat, join me in recommitting to looking and feeling fabulous. Pamela

Okay, I have just experienced something I have NEVER thought would ever happen! I had to renew my drivers license. First since before WLS (3 1/2 yrs). I am Shocked. I LIKE the pic! I had to do a double take and then grinned from ear to ear! I'm sure people thought I was strange grinning widely at a DL! LOL Anybody had a similar NSV lately you want to share and give us some joy???