PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

So before I got banded I never felt like I loved food or anything like that. well, since the surgery i miss food like crazy. i miss eating sandwiches, i miss just stopping at a resturant and not having to worry about if the food will go down and stay down or not. I have been banded since December 8 and really have not lost much weight at all and it's frustrating like only 20 pounds if that. I don't think my band needs to be tighter either because i almost always get the sliming affect after i eat and it gets to be so much that i have to throw it up. so, if i was able to see the results from not eating the foods that i miss i think that i would be ok, but not being ab…

I was banded last Wednesday, May 23rd. I've been doing great up until a few days ago. I have kept a journal over the past 2 days and for some reason, 45 minutes to 1 hour after I eat, I get really really really dizzy and don't feel good. No other symptoms, just dizzy, like I can't even walk straight. I called and talked to the doc's nurse the beginning of the week and they thought it was my blood pressure medicine making my pressure go too low and told me to discontinue taking. I've done that and haven't taken any high blood pressure meds since Tuesday. My BP has been great which is awesome, but I'm still feeling dizzy after eating... HELP, has anyone else ever had this ?…

Gosh this is one of those moments where I wish you could post without using your name but since it isnt here goes.....I know you are not supposed to chew gum....I know that! Dont ask me why I did but I did because I said to myself...you will never swallow it. Well the problem is I think I did. I was really stressed tonight, chewing a piece of gum and I dont recall throwing it out and its not in my mouth...soooooo the only other place it could be is...you guessed it. Now what? What do I do if it clogged my stoma? I am freaking out now and for those that wonder...yes I learned my lesson. Please could someone give me some advice. Thanks Susan

Just got back from my shrink appt and im terrified! I don’t know how im gonna deal with the psycological issues im gonna have with emotional eating and my smoking habits. Those are the only things in my life I like and im gonna have to cut them out! I have an addictive personality and Im scared of not having that comfort food anymore and all. UGH! I wanna crawl in a hole!

:help:Hi all. I was banded on Tues and ended up spending the night in intensive care because the narcotic meds were repressing my breathing. Went back to the regular unit on Weds but Doc did not ler me out until tonight. I am still having alot of pain and gas and am so depressed and exhauseted. Can anyone offer me words of inspiration that this will get better soon?

Surgery date 6/18. My doc required a sleep apnea test because he thought I might have that. I got results today that I do have a mild case - and want to do Cpap fit. They said they would loan me an automatic one if I couldn't get mine in time. Do you think doc will think that is okay? He is on vacation this week and next. I do not want to cancel this surgery date becaue I have it arranged through my work. CJ

June 19th im excited!!

Hi all, I was banded on 4/4/07. Had my first fill 5/l4. I still don't get full and I don't know why I can't have diet sodas or why I cannot drink fluids just before eating and l hour after. Can anyone out there help me. I think I need another fill cause I can eat a full meal.

Hey Everyone, I had my surgery on 4/30 so eight days ago...never got sick, etc. my question is why I still can eat so much? I hope my bad did not slip...any suggestions? Paula:hungry:

I was told that food can get stuck ,so afther surgery i will have to eat slow . Now when i eat it takes about 15min for me, thats slow . How long will it take? My docter was trying to get me to have the bypass he said that it is better then the lap band becuse i wont like the same foods, and that i will dumping meaning if i eat sweet i'll have to go to the bathroom. now with the lap band will i still like the same food .

Ok so the funny thing is I decided to go look up the asbs thingy and what do I see my dr's name as in my dr is one of the major panalists lol the same dr that told me if in my shoes would choose rny. Im about 250 and am 5'3 so I could have either procedure so Ive been really wanting the lapband its just funny how I feel like Im being pushed the other way. Just thought I'd vent about how Karma's laughing at me.

Does anyone know why we are required to have a shrink evaluate us before we have any weight loss surgery??? Do they think we are all crazy?

A question for anyone who smoked prior to being banded. I know most surgeons want/require smokers to stop smoking at least 8 weeks prior to surgery. How did you stop? What tools did you use? was losing the cigarettes as hard as changing the eating habits? I am a smoker, and even though im still several months out from surgery, the thoughts of giving up my cigarettes scares me more than the food changes. I enjoy smoking, but I know I need to quit. I think what scares me most is the thought of failure. Of not being able to stop. what a horrible addiction!! Thanks for any info.

i WAS BAND YESTERDAY AND CAME HOME AND ALL WAS FINE. sLEPT GOOD GOT UP A FEW TIMES AND AWOKE THIS MORNING AND TRYED TO TAKE A SIP OFD WATER AND WAS AMAZED AT HOW MUCH IT HURT GOING DOWN. i READ THAT WARM FLUIDS MAY GO DOWN BETTER. I TRYED TO TAKE MY DEBETIC MEDS BY CUTTING PILLS INTO 1/8THS BUT THAT DIDNT SEEMS TO WORK EITHER. EVERYTIME I TRY AND TAKE A PIUECE OF THEM FEELS LIKE SOMEONE HITS ME IN THE GUT WITH A SLEDGE HAMMER ..IS THIS NORMAL?

:help:Can anyone out there tell me what headache tablets i can take. I don't suffer regularly with headaches - but I've recently been on a plane and think I've got the beginnings of a cold ie., scratchy throat and achy limbs, headache etc Just wondered what the best painkiller was to use? I appreciate any responses! Thanks

<p>hello i was look on the internet and i saw that somone had out eat the lap band or gain wight with it. I have not had my surgery yea but i'm really thinking about this , i dont want to have surgery and gain wight . one more thing can you loose to much wight to fast</p>

Can someone explain to me why my Dr has told me to never take either of these drugs again since my procedure. I have really bad knees and find that my new exercise regement is killing my knees and the tylenal really isnt helping much. Anyone got suggestions ? ? ?

Hello everyone... My surgery was this morning and I actually feel OK. I have been up walking:) drinking my sips of Water and just hanging out in my room. There are 3 of us that was banded today by the same doctor. Everyone is doing good, and I am so ready to start my new journey....It is like I have been given a new life to live....and live it is what I plan to do. I went from 322 prior to surgery in April, and weighed in today (on a diffrent scale) and was 305. At work it had me lighter, but I also had to hydrate myself extra the day before.... So I will take it..... Thanks all of you for your post and your support. Traci:clap2:

Im so confused :help: I have researched forever, I thought I knew what was right. I thought I knew what I was doing. I still like the fact that the band is reversible if there are problems and not as major as the the bypass. I dont like the malobsorbtion (spelling?) of the bypass, and yes I hate the way I look and want to lose for appearence, I never had weight probs until after my 3rd child 14 years ago.And I always feel bad because of the weight. But most importantly I NEED to get the weight off due to health issues! My Dr. does and supports both surgeries. But he has picked up on my confussion and told me to think about it and make sure because the bypass will…

:DI haven't seen any info or posts on this question - if our bodies need 1200 calories (for women - more for men) bare minimum to survive on, and more if we're exercising - does the band let in this minimum so we don't head into "starvation mode"? I do understand that we eat Proteins & veggies before more "empty" calories, but I worry about getting less then the minimum calories once banded. I guess since I've seen no info about it it's not an issue. The goal is slow weight loss, right - one or two pounds per week optimally. Okay maybe I've talked myself through this one. Thanks for listening. Cheers!

I know I have seen posts here about the little 4 oz Protein Drinks that actually taste good. Could someone point me to that link or if you know the name tell me:) Surgery is on 6/7/07 thats right around the corner:eek: trying to get all in order . Sorry I know the post is here some where just cant find it. Many Thanks Spunky

My Dr. did not give me a pre-op diet other than clear liquid X 24hrs, but did tell me to try to loose 15-20lbs before surgery, so I started to exercize and cut my portions, but now tomarrows the big day and I've gained 6 lbs!!! I am horrified that they will postpone me or that I will need the incision insted! Has this happened to anyone else and what was the result???? HELP!

"HURLCHUPS" Anyone? They're not a hiccup, a belch, or a burp. Kind of a combination of all 3. I am 5 days post-op today and darned if I don't get these on a daily basis. Sometimes uncomfortable, always a nuisance. Can't do anything to stop them, so I may as well give them a name! No regrets on getting lap banded though. A bad day hurlchupping beats a good day gorging. Smile today - someone will wonder what you're up to... Rachel

Hey Everyone! I got my letter from BCBS yesterday saying I had been approved, I am just curious how long it normally takes to get a surgery date after insurance approval? The only pre-op thing I have left to do is meet with the nutrisionist and they told me not to do that until I was approved so I am wondering how long I should expect to wait for a date.

Those of you who were diagnosed with apnea before surgery, did you have to wear your machine in surgery? Was the apena a big deal relating to the anesthesia/surgery part? The dr who did my pre-op eval said I did not check enough of the boxes to justify her ordering a sleep study....not that I wanted one but I want to be safe in surgery. I'm worried about what if I do have it and they don't catch it before surgery. I snore and have daytime sleepiness but DH says he's never heard me gasping or stop breathing (but who knows if he pays attention). I guess what I'm asking is Will it be a serious risk for me to have the surgery if I do have undiagnosed apnea? Thanks.

How much weight will i lose from the day i get my surgery until my two week date to get my fill? my surgery date is coming up on 6/21/07. do everybody get a fill two weeks after they surgery?

I know that eating protein is very important. Just wondering if anyone was told how much protein to have at one time. A coworker just told me that your body can only absorb a certain amount at one sitting.. I'm sure that's true... does anyone know what that number is? Thanks

Hi everyone... Perhaps some of you who have been banded could help me out with this question.... I went to the Inamed website, and read the directions to surgeons for implantation of the gastric band. Inamed cautions the surgeon against stitching the band to the stomach, due to increased chance of erosion. However, the date of the material was 2005. I see in the thread about Dr.s & hospitals, that some surgeons do indeed stitch the band to the stomach. Someone said that Dr. Kirshenbaum of Denver uses this procedure. Perhaps the criteria has changed since 2005? Has anyone had any complications from stitching the band to the stomach? I have a consult with Dr. Kirshe…

Hey there---I was banded on May 23, 2007 and am on the "full" liquid stage until Friday the 1st of June when I can start introducing soft solids. I am looking for some menu suggestions. I have been eating creamy Soups (tomato, cream of potato, anything without chunks), Jello, pudding, yogurts and I am getting sick of them! I am looking for any other ideas anyone may have. I found chocolate malt-o-meal, praise be to God. But I am just craving something different. Can anyone help me? Melanie

Hey Everyone, I am 4 days post op and I have a question about the “full liquid” stage. I know that when I start to eat, I can’t drink 15 mins before and 1 hour after. My question is, does this apply during the full liquid stage? I had a yogurt this morning and a few sips of water. I felt ok but is it allowed during this stage?

Hi everyone! I sit 8 day Post-Op and have just started a few mushy foods (potato soup & cream of wheat) both watered down.<br /> <br /> Since starting yesterday, I have noticed when I burp it really hurts! Right below my breast bone. <br /> <br /> Any of you experienced this?? It really hurts...<br /> Kitty

Hi there... I am 3.5 weeks Post-Op and my cycle began 2 days ago and it has been SUPER heavy. I can soak through a pad in less than 2 hours and am having pretty big clots. I am a little worried but this may be a side effect of surgery. I'm not sure. Wanted to see if anyone else experience this before I run and call my doc. Kitty

the surgeon forgot to put in the band. I saw the xrays and fluoroscope pics so I know it is there but aside from some mild pain and gas I have been fine. I had my surgery 5/3/07 - I followed the post-op diet of one week liquid, one week mushie, ease into solids. I have been able to eat normal foods. I try to eat less and stop when I feel full; but I am not seeing any decrease in the amount of food I need to feel full. I make sure to have 50-60 grams of Protein a day (with a protein shake) plus as much water/liquid as I can fit. But I feel fine - please tell me when I get a fill I will need less food. I am so afraid I am not going to see a difference. I have lost ab…

Hello! I'm writing here because I have nowhere else to voice this concern and know that someone can understand fully where I am coming from. I have found great support,knowledge, and advice on this forum, and I am so grateful! I am addicted to food. No doubts about it, I could never in a million years deny this. The bigger, the better. The jucier, the better. the greasier, the better...And portion size? HUGE. I think about food all day, and I think I would trade my left hand for a bag of doritos if were the only way I could get them! It hit the level of "obsession" in middle school, and hasn't stopped growing since then! I am always filled with a gnawing hunger that…

I was banded 3 days ago, and I find that while eating, I feel left-sided back discomfort. I was sipping on my 3 ounces of blended butternut squash soup (Campbell's Selects - delicious), and started to have this pain. I stopped, then sipped on warm tea and the pain went away slowly. I suspect I might be a little tight. Just beginning to pass the gas - thank goodness. But nothing else... I find I do better without the narcotics, I am more clear-headed and not in a drug-induced "fog". I find getting in and out of bed so painful, so I have been using a small pillow to "splint" the left side of my abdomen where the port is, and I just take a breath and "bite the bullet" an…

I'm 3 days post-op and have phlem in my chest. I was just wondering if anyone else has experienced this. I've been sucking on ice chips, pop sicles, and water since Friday, May 25th. Is this normal?

Hi All, I had surgery on the 6th , and have been on full liquids starting the 5and have not lost one pound yet is this normal. Ive read most people lose a least 10 pounds the first week.Only sugar free jello and broth. I know its early just makein sure ,is this normal? Thanks for all the great info! Stacy

I was banded on May 8th and an doing ok (I think!) Did my two weeks of clear liquids and now am on mushy foods. I did sneak a few potato chips earlier today and was fine....... however, now (about 2hours later) I feel as though there is a golf ball sitting in my chest and a pain in my left side like stitch. Anyone else out there experience anything like this?

This is my main fear. How safe is this operation? I know a man who had this done, and it changed his life, for the better! He has lost 100lbs, and now goes to the gym, and walks around like he is light as a feather, he is so happy and outgoing! I would love to have it done too, after yo yoing up and down with my weight for years. Thankyou for any help!

Hi, My name is Marie, I'm new here I have my banding scheduled on 6th June. I managed to get all the time I'm in belgium off of work, but I couldn't get the day after I come back to England off, which is the 10th June... 4 days after surgery. How soon did everyone else go back to work? Will I be hurting after 4 days? Thanks P.S I really enjoy reading everyones experiences on here!

Hi, I was banded last week on the 9th May and am 6 days post-op now. I have healed really quickly not even needing any pain-meds since getting home and have been active and out and about since 3 days post-op. Last night I noticed a hard lump that has formed around the port area under the skin which is a bit sore and very itchy. There is no redness on the skin surface so I do not think it is an infection but just wondered if this is a normal reaction to a foreign object in the body and if it will go away on its own. I also experienced horrendous shoulder pain in the back today for the first time after having some porridge and it spread all the way down my arm and int…

I was banded on May 21st and am doing great. I have gas pain but I just keep trying to walk it out. The pain from my port is awful. I can barely stand up straight. Is this normal and how long does this pain usually last? Sarah in St. Louis

I have a visit with the psychiatrist on June 1st, what sort of questions did they ask you all during the visit?:drum:

When you are about to have a PB or slime, if you are in a restaurant or at someone's house, can you tell soon enough to get to the bathroom or do you just have to do it right there at the table? Thanks.

I am 11 weeks out going for 3rd fill 05/31/07. My stomach still growls, loudly. Will this stop once I have reached the "sweet spot". Will I begin to fill a sense of fullness and satisfaction after say a cup of protein? Just tryin to get a feel. I currently have some restrictions on certain foods, but still get hungry between meals. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

Just got banded yesterday and I'm frothing on just a small amount of liquid. Since the surgery I have had 12 cup of water, 2 spoonfulls of broth and a half teaspoon of Jell-o. Im freaking out. What if I'm too restricted already? What if I can never eat anything and it has to come out? I'm really scared. Have any of you had this post-op?

:help:I was just banded this past Thursday, May 24th. All went very well and I feel good for the most part. Just a little bit sore and pretty gassy. However, I can hardly talk. My voice is almost gone and I'm getting squeakier as time goes on. My throat feels a little swollen but does not hurt. Has anyone had this problem? Any advice on how to get my voice back?

I wanted to know how anyone battled with quitting smoking before your surgery and how long do u have to be smoke free before they will do it? Its hard enough having to drop 10 before surgery and then have to quit smoking too! Im gonna be throwing plates!

Are banded patients allowed to take pepto for nausea? Just curious.

Isnt it amazing how much you can pack into a pair of pants? I have lost 24 pounds and you would think that I would need to run out and buy something to wear....but noooooooooo......the old ones still fit. They dont fit as well of course but geesh. I did finally get into a pair of slacks that I havent been able to wear in 2 yrs so that was good but I put on a pair of jeans that I wore when I was 24 pounds heavier and they fit great. Makes me wonder what I looked like before when I was cramming all that extra pounds into them. Things that make you go ewwwwwwwww. LOL. Have a great day all!!! Susan