POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hi, I have only lost 34 pounds since i was band in 11/2007. I don't measure my foods I just eat until my hungry goes away. some time i eat really fast then I start to foam. I don't drink with my meal nor do i drink soda. I eat meats and veggies. if there is some thing that I can eat really well I can eat more than a cup maybe 2 cups. but like I said I dont' measure my foods. I have a 10cc band with 8.1cc fill should I go and have another fill or what should I do. :biggrin:

Today is day 5 - and so far so good, thank god. The surgeon I used here in Israel doesn't put in a drain, like I have read so many of you had, which I think makes things easier. She also doesn't recommend protein drinks - just straight on to soft liquids like cottage cheese or pudding on day 3. I haven't had nausea at all, just some burning when I drink or eat sometimes. I have noticed that when my stomach is empty, I get an uncomfortable gurgling feeling (Hunger??) which gets better if I eat or drink. I love that I am not really hungry at all. I was a bit depressed on day 3, the day I came home from the hospital, because when I weighed myself I hadn't lost any weight -…

Well I have been home from the hospital for 5 days this time around. I am feeling SO much better. I went in, the DR came in, said we were going to get this fixed. He said he would go in, look for the hernia, and fix it. He said I might have some scar tissue that would need to be freed. He said if he gets in there and finds nothing, he will numb it up and I will have to try to deal with it. I wasnt happy in hearing this, but could understand. I just want to express to everyone the pain I was experiencing was very serious to me. By the end of the 3 weeks of dealing with this, the pain had me suicidual. I was hurting so badly, that I told my family that if this surgery didn…

Ok so Im about 2 weeks post op and have to say I feel better than expected. I've lost about 17 pounds since surgery and about 30 since I began this process and even though my Wii Fit syas Im obese who cares I lost 30 pounds!!!!!!! I've started softer foods and had a nasty encounter with a saltine cracker I've been able to eat Chili and cottage cheese and yogurt some baked tater tots and croutons. True that I have to chew the hell out of it but it's well worth it. Scramble eggs go down well if not to dry and if you put some salsa on them they are excellent. If you have any pointer and or recipes please let me know MERRY CHRISTMASS!!!!!!!!!!

Ok stupid question time, my fellow bandsters... Tomorrow is surgery day, and I'm REALLY confused on one stupid lil' detail... when you have your surgery as an out patient are you dressed and your shirt is up? Or are you in a hospital gown? I've been reading and it seems like people have various stories, and I'm tryin' to figure out what to wear tomorrow... silly I know.. But someone posted "Women where a buttoned down top and no bra". I can't quite put my mind around that one.. Can someone please explain?

Anyone lost a lot of weight and actually didn't have any excess skin? I was just wondering if there's a chance I won't need any sort of plastic surgery to fix myself up after the surgery.

Does anyone go to any support groups in Chicagoland?

Hello all, I'm new here as I was just banded 2 weeks ago today. I am 5"7 and weigh 278 (sharing my stats so you can help me judge whether a fall at my size could damage my incision/port). I fell yesterday and hit my knees and hands, but afterward, I felt pain in my stomach, esp. around the port scar. It has healed fairly well and it's just a little scabbed. Nothing on the outside of my incision appears damaged, but I was unable to sleep on my side or stomach last night (which I have been able to do) and this morning, when I sit, I have pain in that area. The pain is there when I sit, but not when I stand. The incision looks no different than yesterday, but I'm worried so…

Let's see. A co-worker gave me a box of fudge which I passed on to a homeless person with a dollar bill, then someone else gave me a basket of cookies- I ate two and then gave the basket to the groundskeeper. I got back to the office and someone gave me a bag of biscotti which I dowsed with old coffee and threw it in the garbage. This is getting ridiculous. No, it would not be easier to say I don't want the gifts. It is a ritual and I must partake.:biggrin::biggrin::sad::biggrin::biggrin::biggrin::biggrin::biggrin::biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:

Hey there. Got banded on the 4th...2 days till the "mushies" stage, tonight I ate a green bean and a scrambled egg and I'm freaking out. Could I have caused pouch enlargement or slippage with a green bean and an egg? I feel ok...I think. Every little feeling is making me wonder if something is wrong and I really can't tell. Anyone have any opinions or personal experiences? I could use some input here I'm freaking out. :willy_nilly:

Does anyone else have pain in their shoulder and upper chest? I was banded 2 years ago and lost 100 pounds before getting pregnant. Unfortunately, I gained 40 back when my band was let out for the pregnancy and now have it nice and snug again. I don't remember this pain when it was tight last time. I know it's not a heart attack because it's been happening daily since my last fill. Anyone else have this and if so, do you know why it happens?

Quick question, i am having a little pain up a little form the large inscision - i was banded 9 weeks ago and and have had no problems. i had my second fill on monday - tuesday i bent over to tie my shoes and i felt a sharp pain - now its just sore and if i press on the area it is more sore - should i be worried?? the upside, when pressing i can feel the port now where i wasnt able to before lol. guess that is what 29lb does for ya huh lol.

Sometimes when I first start to eat I sneeze. I have had what they call first bite syndrome for about 3 months, but for last week when I take first bite and it feels stuck it makes me sneeze. Does anyone else have this?

i am going to call my nutritionist tomorrow to make sure this is ok. i am eating the suggested portions for each meal, just not all at the same time. for example, i am allowed 1/2 cup of cottage cheese with 1/4 cup of pureed pears. i can not eat more than 1/4 cup of food at once so i just spread it out and eat a little at a time and come back later for the rest. does anyone think this is not good or is it fine? i am not eating more than i should volume wise, just more frequently!

I had surgery yesterday. I was nervous but everything went well. Today, I woke up feeling like I have been beaten badly. My muscles in my arms and legs hurt like I have been mountain climbing or something. My shoulders and trunk hurt a deep muscle pain..could this be gas?:biggrin:

Hey guys. I'm 72 hours out from surgery and still having quite a bit of discomfort on the left side nearest the larger incision. No redness, no fever, just feels uncomfortable when I stand and walk. It really feels strange when my husband "strips" the drain tube. I feel the suction in my body....weird! I have to keep the drain until next Wednesday...just standard procedure for Dr. Nicholson. I have liquid hydrocodone, and I've taken it about three times a day. I guess I have had the impression that so many folks do amazing well within a day or two, so I'm stressing about my pain level. It's not so much pain as it is discomfort. And they did some extra stitchin…

Do you measure or weigh your foods? I did years ago when I was on WW but haven't done it yet. So far, I just eyeball everything. I am wondering if eyeballing is okay or do I need to get a food scale?:thumbup:

Y am I at a stand still? ok Im on mushies n im hungry, yes Im drinking my sugar-free drinks n Im really trying 2 get my 64oz of water n but its so hard. I never been a big water drinker n my 1st fill isnt until the 21st. Im drinking a protein shakes 4 breakfast nt hungry at lunch drinkin until its time 2 eat dinner i had 2 scrambled eggs with cheese. im trying 2 get my protein n but im still falling short n nt losing. i cnt start exercise until the 21st per doc order. any suggestions?

I'm almost two weeks out and I will be able to eat pureed next week, starting Tuesday. Any suggestions on pureed foods? Does anyone have a list that that go by? I would greatly appreciate your help! My biggest and only craving I have had are eggs...lol What kinds of cheeses are you guys able to eat? I guess I am just ready to move on to purees...is that bad?? Thanks guys and girls!

One of my favorite radio talk shows is hosted by Dr. Randy Carlson. He talks alot about 'intentional living'. Thinking about why we do what we do...planning ahead. Life doesn't have to be full of surprises and just 'reacting' to events that happen to you. He probably struck a positive chord with me because that's pretty much my nature to begin with. I don't like surprises and I feel out of control when I'm just 'reacting' to things versus planning ahead for various eventualities. So, I called the clinic this morning because on my first fill 2 weeks ago, the tech said the first fill is pretty aggressive (3 cc's) but follow up fills will be much smaller. However, I…

I went for my first fill. Well let me start with ..... I weighed 215 when I first started , I was band on 11-12-09 weighing 200 at that time. Today I weighed 192 .....man it's been years sense I had see below 200. Well back to the fill , it wasn't that bad.I had 2cc in the band and they added 2cc today. I feel good. I have to do liquids for 2 days then 1 day soft, then reg. food. My doctortold me if I think I need another fill befor the time come , then just call and they will do another fill. He said I was the only one that would know if the band was working. ......It has been 5 weeks and I can't wait to see how I do the next 4 weeks!! I was proud and had to let everyone…

Hello! I was just wondering if anyone else who has been banded for at least 3 months is having the same experience that I am having... I have been banded for just over 6 months. I have lost 70lbs and 42in. I am now feeling bones that I have not felt in a very looooong time. It sometimes takes me by surprise when I feel this hard "bump" and then realize that "bump" is a hip bone or wrist bone. On the flip side, parts of my body that were once relatively firm (ie. boobs and belly) are turning squishy. My belly has always been big, yet firm. It is now shrinking and shakes like jelly. I keep telling myself that my belly was so firm b/c it was packed w/ fat. And …

I was confused today when I went to get my first fill. Before the fill, the nurse told me that most people hit their sweet spot at around 5cc. Well, apparently when the surgeon did a prefill on me during surgery, he already put in 5cc, so now I am up to six. I have been starving before this first fill, does the fact that I already have 6cc mean that I am going to have a problem getting good restriction? Dr. didn't seemed concerned, but he only met with me VERY briefly. By the way, port was VERY sore, so finding port with needle HURT!!!

What are you eating and how much are you eating at almost 5 months out? Sometimes I wonder if I eat too much. Some days I can eat more than others. I am sure I am doing ok but I worry that I could stretch my sleeve out. My doctor used a size 46 bougie I believe so my stomach is a little bigger than some. However, I have managed to lose 100 pounds since surgery. What does it take to stretch the pouch? I have overeaten a few times but I normally stop when full.

Hello all, My daughter was talking to me tonight about googling the sleeve surgery and that you should wear a bracelet, (she is a nursing student). So I don't remember seeing that coming up on this forum. She said if you need medical care and you are unconscious it could be crucial information. Anyone?

I noticed that when I went to Santa Fe recently and with the high altitude and freezing temperatures I had very tight restriction - does anyone know if cold weather or altitude affects restriction - Thanks -

Can anyone tellme what i should be feeling when i eat to know if i am feeling restriction.? I just went for fill #2 he added another 1cc for a total of 5cc... i cant eat much more than my shake for breakfast and something small for lunch, dinner i am more hungry and can eat a bit more than a cup.. usually 1.5 cup... what should i be looking for as far as feeling

anybody else been banded from there ive only have good experience with dr robarts and his staff they r awesome

Hi folks this is Matt, Theresa's husband and scribe. This is a reprint of what I posted on OH regarding Theresa's status. Just got home from hospital, and she had a really good night. But, while getting ready to leave hospital she had a bad bout of nausea and severe pain. Doc prescribed liquid pain killer(oh yeah), Pepcid AC extra strength, and Zophran for nausea. She also came home with a JP drain which will be removed next Wednesday. Overall, shes doing pretty well and glad to be home. She plans to check in with you guys this evening or tomorrow. Now that we are home, I can now have control of the "TV flipper". LOL

I was banded on 12/3 and pretty much all the pain is gone except for the piercing pain on the left. It hurts the most when I'm coughing or sneezing. Anyone else had this pain? How long did it last? The pain was much worse than anything else I've experienced in this surgery.

Ok so I am 9 days post op, and I can not find a comfortable way to sleep and get FULL nights rest. The crazy thing is, the uncomfortableness overrides the pain meds. Any one have any tricks and when do you feel normal again with no stomach muscle pains?

What is a typical day of food for a sleever 6 months down the road? Right now I can't imagine ever eating any meat! Seems the sleeve isn't big enough to break down the food to process....I think I may be panicing...Give me some examples to look forawrd too! Thanks, HBM

Hi everyone, i will be getting my first fill this morning and I know I will have a weight gain when I weigh in. I did great on liquids, mushies, etc. When I started solids, the scale didn't move then went up a little. I already feel like I'm failing with the lap band. I'm down 21 pounds including pre-op diet. Surgery was Nov 9th. I would really appreciate some feedback. Did anyone else have a gain before first fill?? I weighed 205 post op visit on 11/17. Am now 207. Ugh:bored: Thanks everyone.

I am curious about your doctors guidelines after surgery. Mine: Clear liquids for 4 days Full liquids for 10 more days Mushies for 2 full weeks Soft foods for one more week Very strict in my oppinion but I'd love you to share your doctors rules! :tt2::thumbup::wink:

I snooped around the site but couldn't find anything like this... I'd love to hear all your favorite mushies... what are no-no's and if you have any awesome recipes, please reply with them too! Today I was in costco and dared to sample the spanikopita... probably shouldn't have since i'm only 6 days banded, but i took tiny bites and chewed until it practically evaporated in my mouth. I gotta say, it was SOOOOOOO good. But this got me thinking about the mushy phase... what are your faves? thanks for sharing! laura

Was wondering if anyone else has experienced nausea and throwing up. Im offically 1 month post op and still get sick about once aday. Im not that hungry so I have to make myself eat sometimes. Every time I try something different makes me sick especially eggs how ever there are cooked and they used to be my favorite. Would apprieciate any feedback.

I have had decent restriction lately tonight after a hard workout I stopped at Wendy's and got a Southwest salad which is Chili and lettuce a little cheese and tortilla strips..... I was able to eat all of the chili and half of the salad....this is way more than usual wondering why I was able to eat so much more tonight??

I'm unfortunately going to be self-pay for my surgery. I'm basically maxing out the good 'ol credit cards. I'm OK with that because I think it's a worthy reason. BUT I'm worried about fill costs. I live in Charlotte, NC and am wondering if anyone has an idea of what a typical fill costs. In my area or not. I'm having my surgery in Tijuana, MX so I obviously can't continue to go back and forth for the fills. Any tips would be awesome, thanks! And also, how often do people typically need fills. Monthly, Quarterly? How would I know??

the thought of avocados and other food has kept me awake all night! im so frustrated at this point because this has happened 2 nights in a row now! sleep is so very important for me and the last thing i need right now is not enough of it! what a silly thing, to be kept awake by the desire to eat! mexican food is all i can think about when my head hits the pillow! this has got to end! any suggestions would be great! i do not want to have to resort to taking a sleeping pill, but if this does not stop thats all i know to do!:sad0:

I had my surgery 12/11. I had extremely severe nausea/vomiting in post-anethesia and throughout the first 24hrs post-op. I was given IV meds but nothing helped. There was very little pain, just soreness over 2 of my 5 incision sites. I got through my leak test, keeping the contrast down just long enough for the test to be done before puking that up. Then I willed myself to take a few spoonfulls of both, jello, and crystal light so that I could go home. By yesterday morning I felt 100% better. Full of gas, somewhat nauseous, a little sore but so much better. The only appealing food to me has been popsicles. Today I plan to make an honest attempt to get some Isopur…

Does anyone else have sensitive scar tissue, especially around the port area? I'm scheduled to have my port resutured and scar tissue removed next month because of its sensitivity. Even when the area's been numbed, I feel pain when I get fills. Also, I've been experiencing a lot of intense needle-like pain over the past few days in my port/scar tissue area. Am I the only one? I guess I'm just looking for someone to commiserate with!

I am 3 wks post op and I have absolutely no idea what to eat, i have been reading online and reading everyones posts but still cant manage to eat something and not feel bad about eating it. I have been eating soft cooked chicken for my proteins and i have been taking my protein shakes in the morning i've been having sugar free puddings mashed plantains (boiled) mashed potatoes etc....... but i feel like crap everytime for some reason i feel like i messed up. Can someone help me:blush:

I am having some serious pressure pain around in my chest/stomach area. is this normal at all? i am so close to calling my doctor but its 12:30 AM! has anyone experienced this? i am sort of scared. I havent had a fill yet. 4 weeks post op

I had surgery on October 23rd. My first fill was on December 7th. I have lost a total of 25 lbs but I feel like I am doing it on will power. I want to see the 2 to 3 lb per week weight losses and it is just not happening without good restriction. How long does a doctor usually wait to do the 2nd fill. I NEED RESTRICTION! Thanks!

Hi Guys, Just need some encouragement. I'm really feeling bummed and depressed lately. I feel like a lapband failure. I'm 3.5 months out from surgery and have only lost 15 lbs. I am doing the best I can....I need to be better about my exercise, I know that. But, I've just been really depressed lately--really lonely for the holiday, I think. And missing my best holiday friend....FOOD! Anyway, just typing it out. Hope everyone is doing well!

hello, i am scheduled next month,and my doctor warned me that i should not lift anything heavy for 6 to 8 weeks. sounded reasonable so i sorted that out with my boss because my job need some heavy lifting. (80-120 LB per item moving/lifting a couple of feet) i talked to someone yesterday who had VSG last April. he told me that i won't be able to lift the same weight as i did before, because except of the fat there will also be some muscle tissue missing..... ...and if that wasn't enough.... at least for 4 months.... :drool5: can anyone confirm this?? I'm afraid surgery will mess with my work..... EDIT: to make answering easier..... were you sleever…

Well, after my last fill 11/10 I decided it was time to get more agressive and stop the cycle of fills every 8 wks. I went in today (4 wks since last fill) and told the Dr. that we're going to try this MY way and that I wanted a fill. I actually thought that we'd schedule it today as the past 2 fills have been done via flouroscopy (sp?) anyway, he gave me a fill today - I figured 2 or 3 ml would do the trick. Well he gave me 6.6ml :scared2: today and YES, I'm feeling restriction. I can drink just fine and will see how this goes. I only hope this doesn't turn into be careful what you ask for:ohmy:.

Did anyone else have the pain ball with a catheter? I took it out the day after I was released from the hospital, and am having a reaction. I called the nurses station and my surgeon and everyone told me I am just allergic and it would be fine in 3-5 days. But I am having blistering like I was burned, in the exact places the medication was attached and in a spiral where the tube was wrapped. I think I would be in a much better place if I wasn't dealing with this, so I am wondering if anyone else dealt with this, had issues or not, and any recommendations to getting rid of it so I can focus on starting to walk more (right now wearing pants hurts it) outside etc. Thank…

I'm 3 months out and have had one fill (3.7 cc in a 14cc band) I'm currently consuming about 1400-1500 calories per day. I'm definitely not eating as much as before but I feel like I'm overeating because my NUT says I should only be eating 800-1000 calories. I am eating lean meats, veggies, fruits, wheat bread, Pasta and even sweets every now and then (in moderation) My doctor and NUT are big on the Low carb diet but I have a very hard time following it. My NUT pretty much told me that if I didn't follow the low carb diet I wouldn't lose weight, but at 1400-1500 calories per day on my own diet, I'm still losing 2-3 lbs a week (which I'm happy with) I guess my quest…

had surgery at 11:30 this morning and so far so good thank god. was out of bed by 5 and took a little walk and then sat in uupright recliner for few hours. so far just a bit sore when i breathe deeply but other than that ok. hope it continues! hope the other dec 14thers around the wworrld are doing ok too. will write again soon, sarita