POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

hi all, im due to be banded next monday Dec 7th and i have only heard of terrible pain and vomitting that is non stop. i have only taken 1 week off work and then will be on holidays in a caravan 2 and a half week post op. am i crazy???? is the pain that bad? i have had 2 c-sections, is that worse?

so i had a conversation with my husband last night and came to the realization of a few things. I now cannot deny the fact that i was / am ADDICTED to food. Just like a person addicted to drugs. because i cannot eat foods that i want to right now, i can clearly see how much of my life revolved around food. it's really sad. I have been a little anxious about the band being inside me, because i can't reach in there to remove it and eat a bagel..hah i have a control issue.. i am very sensitive to changes in my body. last night my husband broke it down for me and made great sense.. he said the band is like your personal trainer that will never let you cheat without paying a…

Does anyone know of a doctor that uses fluoroscope and will see a patient from Mexico in the Charlottesville, Roanoke or Harrisonburg area?? Thanks for any info!

So 2 days ago I had some nausea and vomitting related to a little bout of the stomach flu. Since then I found it increasingly hard to eat anything, and last night was unable to even get water down. My stomach felt like it was on fire, total acid reflux, and it felt like someone was squeezing it. Oh my goodness. Just a tip from me to you.. if you get the flu do yourself a favour and get an unfill if you start to have pain or tightness. I went to my doc and had to have my entire band unfilled as my stomach was so inflamed. Oh well, I feel sooo much better now. Back to start again in 2 weeks.

My kids have never said anything about my weight. They are great. However, Tuesday night I was doing some pre-Thanksgiving cooking and my niece had my kids. When she brought them home, I went to the door (I had an apron on over my clothes), and my oldest shouted, "Mom! You're skinny!" It was completely spontaneous and so honest in that kid sort of way. I'll admit to shedding a few tears of joy when she then ran up to me and put her arms all the way around me. I know my kids don't love me for what I weigh, but the spontaneity of her comment left me speechless and helped me know that I'm doing this for all the right reasons--so that I'll one day be able to watch my g…

hi all dea friends, today I have been shopping. I was size 22 presurgery. now after one month. size 22 is really lose and baggy. I am so ashamed of it. may be I need size 20 by now. I don't want to go shopping though until I drop more pounds. today I was looking size 14 in promod and I was so nieve and insisted to try one jeans size 14 on:) I saw all kind of strange looks but I did not care...lol...anyway, I was very disappointed. the jeans could not go beyond my BIG toe:) is it possible that someone who was size 20-22 one day to be really able to wear jeans size 14 one day!! plz let me know if it is possible? that will be my dream. Jeans size 14 can be found everywhe…

I was thinking last night about the band and what a trip this really is. I read so much stuff pre band, asked so many questions and thought I had a pretty good idea of what to expect. But truth be told, you have no concept of what this is like until you actually live it. If you think about the entire process of what is going on it is pretty amazing. We are living with this foreign object in our body wrapped around our stomach, with a tube attached to it and another part attached again that we get injections with to make this object even tighter around our stomach every so often to make us not as hungry and we used to get. Then all the stuff you read about getting st…

Originally my goal was to lose 85 pounds by my first band-iversary. I've now changed my goal, and would like to lose 65 pounds by my first band-iversary. I'm really struggling. Does anyone else feel this way? I can't find a support group meeting that fits my schedule, so my Mom suggested I join Weight Watchers. I can do okay for a few days or a couple weeks, but after that it seems like I lose all control again. I'm now wearing a size that's 4 sizes smaller than what I was wearing, but my weight keeps fluctuating. Sometimes I lose a pound in a week, sometimes my scale tells me I've gained 4 pounds overnight. Can anyone give me some advice to help me stay motivated. My D…

I ate too much, too fast about 3 and a half hours ago. It was stringy veggies in an eggroll. So at least we know what I did wrong. But I can't do any PB's, (I tried- believe me) and I tried gas-x, I tried sipping hot tea... I can feel the tea passing through my stoma and into my stomach and into my gut... I can actually feel the path. It seems to be bypassing the actual clog. I need help! I don't want to go to the ER, but if someone else has gone through this and can help? I ate stringy veggies too fast and didn't chew. Is there any digestive enzyme in the stoma, or will I have to barf this up? Once again, it's been 4 hours and it still HURTS!!! I've jumped a f…

Hey guys! I am 2 1/2 months post op. I have 3cc in my 11 cc Realize band. I have not ever PB'd or had a stuck episode. Just once I had a bite go down 'hard'. Just recently I started having this strange feeling in my throat, its as if something is stuck but nothing is. Every time I swallow I feel like my esophagus moves something down then back up. There is no pain at all just an annoying feeling. Alot of times it feels like an air bubble is stuck there and I have to try and make a burp. This gives me relief for about 30 seconds then that traveling heaviness is back again. Anyone got any ideas? I thought at first it was tightness related to my time of the month but th…

I'm 4 days post op and I've eaten 2 microwaveable twice baked potatos (those little single serving small ones) today, the whole thing, minus the skin. I was really hungry and my mom said to try it, so I did and it went down fine. Then like 4-5 hours later I had another. and had like a spoonfull of mac and cheese mashed up. I mean it filled me up, so obviously there's restriction there, but I mean, is this okay? Tomorrow I am supposed to start soft foods, and I will, but should I just take it slow and feel things out? Like I figured on wednesday if things are going well I would try solid foods.

We are 8 days into the sweetest month of the year. I thought we could start a thread for encouragement and advise. So, I will start. I was banded on 2/3. So far no problems. I have been reading for a couple of days and I love the fact that everyone is so supportive. My husband tries, but he just doesn't get it. :thumbdown: So, who wants to join me on this life changing adventure.

It's done; I have been banded as of 9:10 this morning! I'm not going to lie, I am in pain. The gas pain in the shoulder comes and goes, but boy when it comes, it is strong! I have been walking as much as I can, though, and that seems to help. I have the typical 4 smaller incisions and the one a bit larger where the port is. I can definitely feel them, so I am trying to stay on top of the pain med's. One more thing; I have been hungry today! Just been drinking and sucking on popsicles. That helps. Now I am just so excited to get on with my new life! I can't wait to be pain free and start to really work out. Also, I had lost 13.5 pounds since my pre-op appointment,…

I am 7 days post op and having horrible beltching (it hurts). Also had a little applesauce today and my chest hurt right above the breast bone. Was that what being full feels like?

As of this morning I have lost 80 pounds! So hard to believe, I am so grateful to my band. I have another 70 pounds to go (still a long way) I know I made the right choice getting in getting banded. Thanks to everyone for all of your advice and encouragement.

My first fill is tomorrow. What should I expect? How does it feel? Will it hurt? Linda in Wa

Is there anything wrong with having cream of mushroom soup 4th day after being banded? I can't take the chicken or beef broth anymore...they make me gag!

I am on the 3month shot n I dnt have a period but right after my surgery my menstral cycle came n its really heavy. Im nt trying 2 gross anyone out but has anyone else experience this? I cnt even get out of the bed only 2 go 2 the washroom. This is really scaring me 2 see the huge lumps that im passing. any suggestions until my doctor is open 2morrow?

That pain is awful...but what I don't understand is where it gets stuck. Does it get stuck in the esophagus before it even enters the pouch? Does it get stuck in the stomach pouch as it's going through the banding site to the rest of the stomach and digestive tract?

Hi everyone, I had my band fitted on 16th November and so far am doing ok. I am just about to start the soft food stage. However I am a bit confused. When doing the pre-op diet I lost 7lbs in weight and in the first five days following the band op I lost a further 10 lbs. Now don't take me wrong, I am really delighted with the weight loss, however for the past week I have not lost anything at all. I have heard this happening to other people but still find it confusing because I have not been eating anything different than I did the first week nor larger quantities. Can anyone explain why this is? My common sense tells me that it is not because I am not eating enou…

Hi, was banded on 8/26/09 -- 3 fills now @ 1.5 cc each time. I was just filled on 11/27/09. I'm still not feeling restriction. I get full but I still can eat everything just not hugh portions. I'm still losing weight down 43lbs. Feeling good just wondering when will I hit my "sweet spot?" Anyone else having this problem?

Hi Everyone - So I was banded on 10/13 and did great, had my first fill on 11/16 - until the fill i had lost 22 lbs. since then another 3 lbs. Problem is it seems i had more restriction BEFORE the fill? Anyone else have something like this happen - maybe it is only because i have been home for 4 days in a min vaca and maybe i am grazing more than normally - im worried. I also wonder how soon is too soon to call and ask for another fill, my next one isnt due until 12/30 - im discouraged as i was doing so well before the fill i thought it was be a breeze after the fill -- any advice? Thanks Sue

Drink Recipies: Made with unflavored Protein powder (bought at GNC) but I think some would be yummy with vanilla Protein Powder too! JUST PEACHY One scoop protein powder, 1/2 cup frozen peaches, 6 oz vanilla yogurt, 8 ounces of vanilla soy milk, 1/8 teas. of cinnamon. BLEND AWAY. VERY berry One scoop protein powder, 1/2 cup frozen berry blend, 1/4 cup cottage cheese, 8 ounces of milk, 1/8 teas. of nutmeg. BLEND AWAY HAWAIIAN DREAM One scoop protein powder, 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, 1/3 cup silken tofu, one cup of milk, 1/8 teas. of ginger .. add a few ice cubes. BLEND AWAY ***Had this for Thanksgiving.. very good*** CREAMY pumpkin One scoop of protein…

My doctor asked if my periods had changed, and I understand that your change in weight can change your periods and make them less frequent, but i seem to be getting mine every 2 to 3 weeks! Has this happened to anyone else? I was always right on the dot- every 28 days. I've started to gain back weight that I've lost- I'm not sure where I should be on my band fill. It's pretty tight in the morning, but then I can eat and eat my way through the day. Since I've lost all this weight and gained it back, my total loss is closer to 6 pounds. And I was banded 9/28/09. Totally disappointing, and the extra periods suck. Any thoughts?

Hey anyone how many calories should I be eating after I finally get onto solids. I go in for surgery in six sleeps.. yeah.. I am a planner and am trying to get all of my info and research together... Thanks everyone.... Oh yeah and what vitamins is everyone on. I bought centrum chewables but they are 50+ age group. i also have calcuim soft chews.. Anything else I should be taking????? Thanks again.

I just spent a good amount of time at Barns & Nobel... picked my self up a calorie book for restaurants, $6 and totally worth it.... However, I was really looking for a book that I've heard mentioned on here before, but I couldn't think of the name/author at the time. Living with Lap Band? Or something to that effect. Guesses? Anyone have any good lap-band/WLS book recommendations? Also couldn't really find a food journal I cared for, anyone find one they love? Thanks, Sum

I did really great the first 2 months PO, but now in the past few days I have really been eating alot more than I should be. I have a fill scheduled for thursday, but I am wondering if because I am eating more than I should be if I am in danger of stretching my pouch?? I had my second fill about 4 weeks ago and lost weight initially in the first week or two after my fill. I have now been plateaued for the past 2 weeks and may have even gained a pound....has this happened to anyone else? Thanks:mellow:

Im still sore n trying 2 take it easy. I get full off of a half of cup tea, n cnt take n all the fliuds I need 2 prevent dehydration. hopefully the pain will go away n the swelling will go down n my stomache wont feel as tight n full. did any of u experience this?

What the heck! I am 9 weeks post op and have 3 fills and today at Thanksgiving dinner I could eat like I never got the darn thing. What gives. I had no pain and have never got anything stuck ever. Am I doing damage eating more than 1 cup? I do I feel just like I did before the band. Im getting frustrated.

Does anyone know of a vitamin that is small and can be swallowed. I cannot tolerate the chewables. I had surgery in April 09 and have some rstriction. I have lost 57 lbs.

I've seen many people refer to something called PBs. I have no idea what that means. CAn you someone help me out?

I have been on solids , sort of, for about a month now. I am not sure what and how much I should be having. If I have three -1/2 cup meals per day, does that mean the whole meal -Protein and veggie- should only be a 1/2 cup? I am very confused. When I email nut. all I get back is eat 1/2 cup meal 3 times a day and nothing else. I get that it should be majority protein. I asked about calories and nut. said no calorie counting, just eat 3 1/2 cup meals. She is annoying me. LOL I have had 1 fill and have some restriction, but by 5 pm I am famished and have been having protein snack, like cheese. Any advice? I know when I have some solid food I stay satisfied longer, bu…

I don't have ANY health insurance. My surgery is self pay and the medications will have to be entirely self pay. Since Walmart offers the following generics for $10 for a 3 month supply I wondered if anyone knows if any of these gastrointestinal medications would be an adequate replacement for Nexium mups? (yes, I know the mups are dissolveable and they aren't available in the U.S.) 30-day QTY 90-day QTY Belladonna Alkaloid/PB tab 60 180 Cimetidine 800mg tab* 30 90 Cytra2 solution 180ml 540ml Dicyclomine 10mg cap 90 270 Dicyclomine 20mg tab 60 180 Famotidine…

Just wondering i anyone noticed a big decrease in their loss at this point? I lost quite quickly in the begining, but now have slowed to about a pound a week. Im know this isnt' a race, and Im still grateful for loosing, but I was just looking for your experience and any tips you guys might have! Thanks:)

I posted this on the "fill" thread, but only got one response, so I thought I should post it on here too JIC. Hello fellow bandsters I am trying to decide if I should get another fill or not. I have only had one fill so far, so I know I will need another fill eventually, but not sure if I should get one now or not. I was losing weight at around 2 pounds per week for my first 6 weeks, but two weeks ago I gained one pound, and this past week I plateaud. So, from first observation I would say I need another fill. However, since my fill on Nov 1st, I have had a few more "stuck" incidents - one of which lead to me having to through-up. I'm worried if I get a fill, I will j…

I have no idea how to describe this feeling. It comes and it goes. The best way to describe it is that it's almost like a lump between my throat and my chest. It doesn't necessarily happen when I'm eating either. It's been like this for a couple of days now and I'm not sure if it's anything to be concerned about. Has anyone had the same issues or know of anyone that has? Trying not to freak out, but I'm not sure if it's a symptom of a real issue here...

Well, I hope your thanksgiving 2009 was great and that you were able to stay on the plan. Let me share my story. I am 2 weeks out and on pureed food.. I had made a plan of what I would eat. I went to my inlaws and ate dressing(stuffing), yams, greens, and little turkey (I chewed it well). P.S. my inlaws don't know that I had wls. Then, I went to my families dinner, ate mainly the same foods w/little potato salad. All of a sudden, a german chocolate cake came into my line of vision. I promise you I felt it call my name. So, I said "how you doing". lol Actually, I only had a slither and had to leave the room because the potential was there to really do some damage…

How do you tell the difference between stuck and full? Is there a difference? It sems to me for your puch to be full the stoma would be blocked somewhat. After my first fill I have what I am sure are a few stuck episodes with slime and pbs, but I wonder how that will differ from being full? Any ideas?

I'm two weeks post op tomorrow and doing great. one problem, i'm in the most pain when i lay on my back. Anyone else had this issue. i can sleep on my side with no port pain, but as soon as i go to my back it seems like my port sticks out more and the pain is horrible. it hurts more than i ever hurt after surgery. like i said i have no pain when i'm up and moving or sitting but as soon as i lay down it is unbareable. i know your going to say so sleep on your side, but its hard for me to be on my right side contiually all night long. anyone else have this issue.

but how? :confused: i had my surgery july 27 and have had 2 fills - i think i'm at 5 cc now (in a 10 cc band). the weight i'm losing is going very slow (but my surgeon says that is good, 1-2 lbs a week). i've learned to avoid bread for the most part by trial and error so that's good, i just... argh. it's sugar. everything with sugar. juices, yogurt, sweets, etc i can't have artificial sweeteners because they cause me migraines, and the program doesn't recommend them because they tend to increase cravings for sweets. i want to be better at choices. i'm not eating huge portions but not much has changed about what i ate from before the surgery. and i can't…

Here are the ones I promised. The cheesecake is only 163 calories per slice and 15 g of protein! You better believe that has been my Breakfast the last 3 days. Anyone else have some good band friendly recipies to trade? Kickin' Cranberry Sauce PER SERVING (1/3 cup): 63 calories, 1g fat, 20mg sodium, 13g carbs, 2g Fiber, 8.5g sugars, 1g Protein -- POINTS® value 1* Dab or pile this stuff on top of your turkey. Or just eat it plain! (There’s so much good fruit in here, we wouldn’t blame you.) P.S. For quick day-of assembly, start this off the day before... Ingredients: One 12-oz. bag whole cranberries One 11-oz. can mandarin orange segments in the…

I was banded on 11/19 and after a few days of pure hell I have been feeling great. Moved on to mushies and maybe a few things that weren't and still everything was aok! However, I started having pains on my left side below the ribs yesterday that has progressed into unbearable pains today. A call to my surgeon on a Saturday morning and I will say I was impressed by the less than 5 minutes it took for him to call back. (YEAH for Dr. Kirshenbaum in Denver!!!) He recommend me seeing a doctor in my area (Wisconsin) if not better by morning....long story short, my reg MD was on call so I went in. Turns out I am constipated!!! How? I have barely eaten a thing! And I ha…

So I was banded 11/25 (Wednesday) well let me just get straight to it, Thursday I went to lay down and as I was trying to roll from my right to my left side I'm halfway over and I hear/feel this "thud" I'm like holy crap, did I just flip my port? I mean I wasn't straining all that much to roll over, I certainly didn't feel like I was straining so much I would flip my port. Then this morning I was slightly wiggling around in bed trying to get a little more comfortable and I don't know how to describe it but it was like a mini "thud" but w/o the noise. I ate some Jello and pureed broccoli Soup and things went fine, I wasn't able to eat much or very quickly, and there's n…

I was banded on 10.29.09. Since then I've lost 15lbs. I get my first fill this Thursday December 3rd. I am doing well but lately I've been so hungry I've found myself eating more especially on the weekends when we go out more or are with family. I am eating less than I was before and I make myself leave the table hungry but it's HARD! I am worried I might be stretching my stomach but sicne I'm still at a slow weight loss I'm assuming I'm not. Also I've given up so many things I used to eat before that I know I'm making life changes during this journey. I was a 2-3 soda's a day drinker and tons of sweets. I've had NO pop and passed on Desserts. I never touched one pi…

Can anything be done to minimize the sagging skin?

Hello, I was banded 08/31 and so far so good. Getting the protein shakes down but having a hard time getting 64oz of water down. Had a few small minor bouts with nausea but was able to fight it. So far I feel pretty good but tired and little off. I just feel kind of weird hard to describe....anyone else feeling strange? Gas is still around and have not pooped yet!

OK, so knock on wood, other than feeling burpy when I try to drink and that pain it causes between the sha shans, so far I think I am doing fairly well. I did start wondering though, in the event of a leak or some kind of complication, does anyone know if kaiser would deny coverage for the care? I did not qualify for their WLS program but isnt just like another elcetive surgery? If I had complications from a breast lift they would pay for that right?

I was banded on the 24th of Nov. and I had a few days of gas and bloating whatnot but now I am feeling perfect. No gas, no pain, no restriction. I'm feeling hungry but haven't been brave enough to try "baby" type foods yet. Did anyone else feel like this so soon after surgery? My Dr. said that typically people are on liquids for 7-10 days but I had to follow my body and go from there. How soon did everyone else wait? Thanks guys! :Yawn:

I'm praying that I'm not the only one who dummied up today!!! (not that I wish anyone bad) :thumbup:...I am 8 days post op...I am supposed to be on "Full Liquids"..."anything pourable".....However, I took it upon myself to decide it would be okay to partake in a little Thanksgiving dinner (no...I'm not a Dr....just lost my mind..haha)...I had probably less than half cup of food...(stuffing, cranberries and the inside only of pumpkin pie).... My question to those of you who have been doing this is do you think I hurt anything???....I feel so guilty right now!!!!..... Aileen

So many times I have come to LBT to read the many threads that are posted only to find so many filled with terrible advice, non- medical based opinions, suger coated rah-rah replies, and just general comments that could be medically harmful. When someone posts that their doctor will not let them do something, then so be it! That dr. has a reason for his orders, and often it can be specified just for that individual. What right do we have, not knowing that person to tell them, "it's ok, because my doctor says I can". With that said, I would like to summit to you 5 New Years Resolutions for us all, with a commitment if you will, to do the following: 1) Agree that a…