POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Well where to start. Had my sugery in March of 09. And since July i haven't lost any weight. I totally 100% know it's my fault and i hate myself for it. My husband is in Iraq and is coming home Sometime in April we think and i feel like i should have done SOOOO much better. He's gonna come home to me and i'm gonna look the same! No i did not do this for him, but i remember b-4 surgery and right after we were both so excited and looking forward to next year bc i was gonna be thinner and healthier. And im not. i was 208 surgery day and I'm around 196. wtf is that. I'm so disgusted with myself. I'm on fill #7 and i have NO restriction at all. On like fill #4 i was filled too…

Today, I got my "drain" out and had my one week post-op weigh-in. I have lost 12 lbs! Twelve pounds! My daughter and I went to a very foo-foo mall in Dallas - it had a Barney's! Who knew they were outside of NY? But that is not the best part. Here's the BEST part - we went to lunch. My first "meal." We went to a little cafe, and I had a cup of tomato-basil soup. It was the best soup I have ever eaten, seriously! I could only eat 1/2 of it, but had no troubles what-so-ever and was completely satified. I did not know if I would ever feel normal again, and today was just splendid! I did order tea with my soup out of habit, and then remembered I was not suppose to eat & d…

I was talking with the dietician today at my "mandatory supervised program" and she said something that struck me. She stated that people who have had this surgery will tell you all the things they wish they would have done differenty pre-op as opposed to making the changes post-op. So, if you could go back what changes would you make?

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I had an uncle years ago who was an alcoholic. When he finally decided to stop drinking, he started gambling. He actually became a bookie and would sit in front of 4 TVs watching all the games with a bank of telephones (this was pre-cell phone days). He use to brag how he wasnt truly an alcoholic because he was able to give it up. Even at my early age I recall thinking he didnt give up anything, he simply switched vices. food has been my vice for years. All of my family is slim, but most have alcohol or drug addiction issues. Mine was always food. It has worried me some that I might just pick up a different vice, rather than truly give up over eating. Luckily…

I posted this on the complications forum, but no one has made any comments on it...so I posted here as well... Over about the last three days, when I eat my stomach just feels irritated. It does not feel irritated when I'm not eating, although I feel a little bit of reflux in the back of my throat, which I never have. Is it possible I've irritated my stomach lining around the band or something? Should I go on liquids for a few days to let my stomach calm down? I will also call and leave my surgeon a message and see what he can tell me as well.

I am a social smoker, which means I only smoke if I am at a get togethter or if I am having some drinks. The last cigarette I smoked was on New Year Eve. I do not plan on smoking every again not even socially, this is not a problem for me because I have spend days and even weeks without smoking, I know I am not addicted to cigarettes. My surgeon says that he will not operate on anyone unless they are without smoking for 2 months, wow I thought it would be around a month. Now this is going to prospone my surgery even more. My question is for those smokers, how long did you surgeon require that you quit smoking before surgery?

20 days after my surgery, I have to attend a week long business meeting in AZ with people I only have to see a few times a year. I don't want to announce to the world I've had VSG. The problem is they cater the whole thing with a big dinner reception on one of the nights with steak fish or chicken as entree choices. How do I get around this? On the other days I'm sure there will be like yougert available for breakfast and softer foods, but steak, fish or chicken? Maybe I could say I don't feel well??? Somebody, any suggestions??

Hi all, I'm new to this forum. It's been a long time since I have sought help since I was banded. I had my band put in May 30, 2003, so I am 6.5 yrs out. I only had problems with a couple of overfills in the beginning. Everything went as planned. I lost 110 pounds in a year, which I was very happy with, UNTIL............. I have PMR (Polymyalgic Rhuematica) a condition that causes me such pain in my upper arms that I can't hardly move my arms to feed myself and it gives me severe temporal headaches. Unfortunately the cure for this requires large daily doses of prednisone over a LONG period of time. I've had this once before and the symptoms went away after…

Yesterday evening, after work, I went to the grocery store to pick a few things up for dinner. When I got there, I was feeling a bit of pressure in my left chest, just under my collar bone. I thought that if I walked a bit more around the store, this would help. By the time I got done and out to my car, the pressure is even greater. I'm tempted to call my dr. right then but decide to wait until I get home, which would be in less than 5 minutes. I get home and bring my groceries in. I pull out my cell phone, see I missed a call from my husband, and try calling him. Get his voice mail, and tearfully tell him that I'm experiencing pain. I then look through my wall…

Today is my one year bandiversary! I am almost to goal (30 more pounds - which seems like nothing compared to my starting weight), I have never felt better in my life and I am finally happy! I only needed 3 fills to get to my sweet spot which I hit last July. I haven't been a regular poster BUT I have been a regular reader and I just wanted to thank everyone for taking the time for posting and replying because you have answered ALL of my questions even some my doctor wouldn't. And to those new bandsters who think they will never have restriction - just have patience - you will get there and then you will wish you could eat something without slimeing. To anyone just thinki…

Hey all, I just got sleeved Monday and then last night (Tuesday), went to bed at 9p.m. I woke up at 12:45 a.m. and had to puke. It's now 4:30 a.m. and I've been dry heaving on and off with a little fluid ever since. My fiance called the on-call doctor (not my surgeon) around 2a.m. and he said to make an appointment with my surgeon as soon as I can for this morning. I was just wondering if anyone else has experienced this and knows WHY? I'm supposed to be drinking 48-64oz. of fluids and today I think I probably only got in 30 oz. because I didn't get home from the hospital until after noon. I also took about 3 gas-x strips since I got home. Also, I've been burping a lot wi…

It's been 20 days. 20 l.o.n.g. d.a.y.s. Since I've had a diet pepsi. Can I just say I'm majorly jonesing for one right now? My craving for my throat burning, caffeine delivering, bubbly substance is about to do me in! Ack! Is there a meeting I can go to? Does someone want to be my sponsor? Can you come hold my hand as I go through my withdrawals?

okay guys, I am one week out of surgery as of today! I had my post op appt. yesterday and I've lost 13 lbs since my pre op. My question is this: my doctor allowed me to move up to soft foods yesterday as tolerated. So, this morning for breakfast at 7 a.m. I had a chocolate carnation instant breakfast. Then, at 9:30 (just now) i was still hungry!!!! So, I went into the kitchen and had about 1/3 cup of cottage cheese with a half of a pear (no sugar added, of course!) Now, i feel full. I am hoping that I'll be okay until around 1 p.m. or so. I just don't want to over eat. I mean, that's what got me here in the first place. I have no restriction in my band. I won't ge…

where in the world is restlessmonkey? I miss her great advice.I hope everything is OK with her:(

Hello! A thread on OH got me to really thinking about the advise of different surgeons and Nutritionist out there. Dr. Nick's paperwork (and that of the nutritionist at Baylor Plano) did not advise a specific caloric intake for the first six weeks. Instead, it focused on 60-75 grams Protein, 64+ ounces of Fluid, and Vitamins. PROTEIN FIRST, VEGGIES SECOND, AND complex carbs when there is room. It showed 1/2 cup "food" each of three meals during the first two weeks of full liquids, and then during week three through six while moving through mushies to soft to regular food I'm to take in 4-6 ounces (it notes some will take in less). The paperwork gives a few example m…

Okay, so here I am 6 months post-op, and I am realizing that my tastebuds have changed yet again. Good news though, they have gone back to how they were before surgery. I can tolerate Splenda, and flavored coffee creamers. The only thing I can't stand is mustard. It is just beyond bitter, and far too twangy. Honey mustard is fine, or dijon mustard, but regular ole' yellow, hot dog mustard makes me want to hurl. I love that things taste normal again. I'm actually happy about being able to have stuff that actually tastes good in my mouth. Eating is so much easier these last few weeks. I thought I would share just because I know immediately post-op, and especially …

Hi Everyone, Quick question, have any of you done any ab work (crunches, etc.) since surgery? I understand my port will be sewn into the side of my abdomen so my worry is that I will have limited mobility etc. Please advise. Thanks!

OK, so I've had this really ugly cough for about a week. I am wondering if really hard and continuous coughing can cause the band to slip. I have notice a dull ache in my abdomen since after eatin lunch this afternoon. Any advice or thoughts are welcomed :thumbup:

I was banded on March 27th of this year. I have lost 59lbs. I had issues with acid reflux early on that led to my band being emptied so as soon as I started solids, my loss stopped. After getting filled back up I was able to lose again. Then due to a vacation and a move to another state, I was unable to gets fills and I plateaued again. I found a dr. here got a nice fill, lost 10lbs, then stopped again. Stayed about 245 for about a month, then lost 14lbs. within 3 weeks. Now I seem to be at a stand still again. I don't change the way I eat during those times, I exercise the same. The weight just seems to be coming of in spurts? Is anyone else the same? Is this just my bo…

Hello fellow bandsters. I just found out by my doctor that I have 14cc band.Trying to find out from others .How much CC's did most the folks fill to get comfortable restricted feel.I understand it differs from person to person.Just trying to see if majority have same restrictions with fills.I was told my frist fill would be 4cc's.Currenlty I can eat a cow.:thumbup:

I am wondering about protein. I really have not worried about it too much this week because my main goal has been to stay hydrated. I thought I might be able to do this more next week when I move to full liquids. What are you other folks doing that are still in your clear liquids week?

I was banded 12/22/09 So I'm not even 2 weeks post op but when I move or bend or something like that I can feel the band! I feel it pull a little so I stop that movement right away. I'm not doing yoga or nothing, but I notice at times I can actually feel it. It feels a little like something is scratching in the inside. Is this normal? I don't feel the port from the inside out but I do the band.

Hi, does anybody still have high blood presure after surgery? I was told with the weight loss the blood presure could back to normal. :scared0:

So I'm 3 weeks post op and I'm still so hungry. I'm having a hard time keeping the exact eating and drinking schedule the nutritionist gave me b/c I'm a teacher. You eat when you're told you have lunch not when another schedule tells you to eat. I've switched two times to help this, but I'm still hearing and feeling my stomach. No head hunger here - real growling happening. Is anyone feeling this? I go for my first fill on Jan. 18th, but they have already told me they would only put 1cc in the band. That would mean I'd have 4cc's total. How can I talk them into doing more? Say 1.5 or 2 even? I was always a volume eater before so I'll need as much restriction …

Hey lapbanders, I got banded on 12/23 and im still very swollen and my dr told me that i should be back to normal in 6 weeks, but me being very impatient (I just found out i can fit into a size 16 but the only thing thats holding me back is my stomach) is there anything else i can do to kind of rush the process? thanks in advance =]

Hey all! I see "they" (someone...) moved our post to the November Month thingee.... took me forever to find it! Anyway, I'm moving it back! HAHA! 1. Spreadsheet is updated here: http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AnRM_HyvQ18GdGF5blFjTGF3RnpCNDJmeHF3d0p5YkE&hl=en 2. Please ONLY post data updates by clicking here: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/groups/november-2009-bandsters-january-spreadsheet-data-d1829.html I can't keep track of 10 different threads with data! 3. How is everyone doing?? :smile2:

I have 2 questions for anyone who can help me! When you mix your Water with Crystal Light, is that still considered drinking water? I have one of those 32 oz water containers that won't break. I filled it up yesterday to get at least half my water intake while I was out and about. For some reason I couldn't make myself drink the plain water. And this question may be stupid. I own my own shoe store & go to school. I will be in school all day Tuesday & Thursday, and working Wednesday & Friday (I'm closed on Mondays like the other shops where I am). So on the days I'm in school or at work (with no lunch break at school. I can eat when a customer is no…

Is there anyone who was on the C-Pap machine prior and after surgery that is no longer on it? How did you determine that you didn't need it anymore?:blushing:

how many calories do u take n on a daily bases? Do u go over or under 1200, 1300, or 1400 calories?

Is anyone from the Denver area interested in getting together for a coffee group?

I thought it might be some nice motivation for us if we did a pic update (before/current). I have to admit I have been feeling down about losing the weight much slower, so I went through some old pics and suddenly I feel better! I'll go first: August, 2009 November 13, 2009 Let's see some before/after pics from everyone! Honestly, I think it's a nice check for us all that we ARE doing a great job!!

Well I got some great news yesterday. I have been approved and now I am scheduled for February 1st. I am so excited and nerves. I am mostly nerves since right now I am in the middle of interviewing for a new job and I am worried about the chance of starting a new job in February and learning to live with a band. I 100% understand the lifestyle change and watching what and how I eat once I have the surgery. But I am wondering how hard of an adjustment it was for everyone that has already been banded. How much emotional or physical stuff did you go through the first few months after? Is it possible to adjust to the band and a new job?

I just wanted to share my good news with everyone...since I started my pre-op diet December on 18th and my procedure done December 28th I have lost 14 pounds total....I am excited I know I still have a long way to go but it's good to see the scale going down....

When was everyone able to tolerate soft solids? My nutritionist says that from this point on, it will be a trial and error deal. Soft solids are not working for me. I've tried now on 3 seperate occassions trying completely different foods, and I take maybe 4-5 very small bites over 20-30 minutes, and I feel literally like if I open my mouth, I'll see my food. It just seems to fill up in my esophagus. The problem is that there doesn't seem to be any type of warning that it's not getting in my stomach until I feel as if I can't even swallow my spit. I'm looking for hope that I'll be able to tolerate soft solids and get off of purees in the near future.

I have had 5 fills, just called to schedule my 6th. I am wondering if I am expecting too much from the band. Should the band physically restrict how much food you eat? Or, should you fix yourself one cup of food and stop? I am working on stopping eating when I begin to feel full, but years of making sure I cleaned my plate (after all, there are starving children in Africa!), that is a hard habit to break. I see other people losing weight much quicker then I am, and at support group meetings I hear people talk about how little they can eat now. I can eat a foot long sub if I wanted to (I don't want to, but you get what I am saying here.) I need some feedback from pe…

UGGG I just need to vent, I am STARVING!!!!!!!!!!! 4 days post op on FULL liquids and I feel like my stomach is going to eat itself!! Please tell me someone else is in the same boat as I am!! Nothing is satisfying me!!

Can anyone tell me of any smoothies you can buy pre made and healthy from the grocery store? Also that taste good?

Oh, I am filled oh, too, tight. I went in last Monday for the fill, and I thought I would be fine when I left. The next day, I felt very tight, but I thought it was the usual swelling that you get after a fill, and that I'd be fine. I am NOT fine. I have not slept in a week because of the reflux. I am waking up to choking on spit up, and I am miserable. I feel like I can't even function. I tried to call my provider, but she was gone for the holiday, and for the next day, and the answering service wouldn't even take a message or let me talk with the on-call person. She told me to go to ER if I needed help by Monday. Honestly, if it were the slightest bit more offe…

Finally! I haven't stepped on the scale in a few days but today is Monday and yippee skippee....229! I knew that stupid thing would have to move at some point! Down 7 pounds! I'm going to take the mental high and not weigh myself until next Monday. .

I had surgery august 2007. i have lost 70 pounds with the band and a lot of exercise. 6 months after surgery, i noticed that my back hurt every afternoon. i put up with it for a year then started working on fixing it in 2009. after much ado, they think it is the lap band surgery that caused scarring that goes directly to the T-4 thru 6. has anyone else had this issue? any suggestions or solutions?

I was banded 12/30. Lost 10 lbs. on pre-op diet, but when I sneak a peek at where I am now on the scales, it isn't showing any additional loss. I'm doing everything by the book, but its frustrating when you see others who were banded at close to the same time and yet they are melting away. I know I can't expect it to all come off at once, I just want to see the journey begin I guess. Ideas?? Encouragement??

I am sorry for asking such a personal question, but I am wondering if I will ever poo again? I have not since surgery on Tues. I am a bit reluctant to take the Miralax because I do not want to create havoc in the whole tummy zone, but I do not want a lot of strain to cause an issue either. Thanks for answering and your constant reassurance.... Never thought I would be chatting about this one! :w00t:

So I played softball yesterday for the first time after surgery 7 weeks ago and wouldnt you know it. I have a sore port. I don't think I over did it. I have been jogging on my treadmill for 2 weeks now. Has anyone else experienced similar. I mean it even feels swollen. So weird.

Hi everyone! Today is my 5th day post-op and I feel pretty good. I've been out and about even though it's snowing like crazy, and I am slowly doing a bit of apt cleaning. Plus, last night I started passing more gas like crazy - something I never thought I'd be so grateful for, lol. I even feel less hungry, which might have something to do with drinking more warm fluids or maybe it's all in my head - who knows. However, I still have this hellacious pain in my chest and some port area discomfort. The port area and incisions don't bother me so much, but the chest pain does. It hurts continuously and even more so when I take deep breaths. Is this pretty normal at 5 days ou…

how many carbs after surgery can we consume? i can't seem to find a definate answer...

Hello everyone. I haven't been on here for a bit. I have a quick question. So tonight being New Years eve and all, I was wondering If I can have a drink or 2. I am almost 3 months out. I tried calling my surgeon and the help nurse but Kaiser seems to suck during the holidays. I can't get an answer. Please HELP! Don't want to end up in the emergency room tonight hahahahaa:001_tongue: Happy New Year everyone :scared0:

If anyone could help me I would be so grateful. I was banded August 2008 and all was well and I was losing great...until about 4 months ago. I kept telling my Dr that I wasn't able to keep food down, but he said it was my sinus drainage and reflux causing the problem and I didn't need fluid out. He gave me medication for both problems. One night, I couldn't even drink water so I went to my dr's partner and they let all the fluid out, but said the guided swallow showed that I had a blockage, maybe stuck food. They said it would pass and I should be able to eat in no time. So 2 weeks went by, still not able to keep food down. Had another guided swallow, and the "blockage" w…

OK so I was under the impression my port was gonna go more towards my side. But when I woke up after surgery it was like 2 or 3 inches above belly button and like another inch or so to my left. I was like WTF....I mean I guess it doesn't matter. But I'm extremely motivated. I plan on sticking to my diet, working out, and being very fit. I do not want it to show through my skin. Thank you! <3 Angelina

I was banded Oct 14th and can still eat anything I have had 2 fills so I am at 4.5 cc's right now and the only thing that I noticed that I cannot eat it un toasted breads. They get stuck and that does not feel good at all. Other then that I can still eat whatever I want it is lesser then before the band, but it's still to much. Then the holidays didn't make it any better. This is frustrating and hard speacially when you still crave certain foods how do you stay on track? has anyone started off bad and ended up doing very well? Help please I need some encouragement.