POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I am 5 weeks out of surgery. I've lost 10 pounds, and I haven't had a fill yet. The minute I could eat regular food, I did. I'm not exercising enough, and Im eating too many carbs. I'm eating far less than what I used to. I'm trying not to graze, but it is hard to break a lifttime of bad habits in a few weeks. I'm doing it though. I am just not as disciplined, and I'm going over the 70 grams of carbs mark. Still not drinking, no sodas, and not a lot of really anything that I used to. I'm getting my first fill in 4 days, and I don't know what to expect. I'm HOPING it's going to help me lose weight. I don't understand what "restriction" and finding my band "sweet spot…

Heya!!! Just wanted to do a pop in to see how everyone is going with their weightloss (I'm hoping I'm keeping up with some of you as I have been struggling!!! haha), but this morning, I stood on my dodgy scales and I have FINALLY reached my first mini-goal of 20kgs!!! YAY!! I am actually starting to get excited now because I am starting to visibly notice a difference and I love it My Starting weight was 144kgs(316.8) My current weight is now 124kgs(272.8lb)!! (I have added some recent pics in my photo album). How are you all doing?? Have you lost as much weight as you had hoped?? Would love to hear from you all!

Alright time for question 1002-3. So I was banded Oct 10th. I went to get some of my last stitches out on the weekend and the doctor wanted to give me a fill. I was really surprised he wanted to do that so soon. Then he told me he was going to give me a 5cc fill and I thought he was joking! My band is only 11cc that is almost half filling the band. Since I have lost 9kg ( 20 lbs) in those 3 weeks since surgery I told my doctor I wanted to wait. He was surprised because apparently most patients want fast results which I want to be safe and lose weight slowly ( Koreans expect things instantly). How long did everyone wait before getting their first fill? My doctor sched…

I will be coming home tomorrow from Mexicali. Dr Aceves did my surgey on Friday and Dr Campos declared me well with a new smaller stomach this morning. I have lost from 309 starting to 278. Not bad for a start. I am growing tired of apple juice and orange juice but still like tea and broth. My insulin is being adjusted and today I have been around 150 with no insulin. I feel pretty great--have had trouble sleeping but that is usual for me. Today had the peacock blue poop so know that all parts are still connected and working. The entire team here has been wonderful. My hearing loss and lack of spanish has not been a deterrent in the least. I missed the connecting flight b…

I was diagnosed with A-Typical Type 2 Diabetes in January of 2007. I was feeling really sick, exhausted, and all the other symptoms. I finally went to the doctor and was immediately sent to the emergency room. My blood sugar was 917. I left the hospital 4 days later with insulin and metformin. Within a week I was taking only a third of what I was originally prescribed and off insulin within a month. Ultimately, I was taking 1000 mg of Metformin 2 X a day. Even that got to be a little too much and I went to 500 in the morning and 1000 at night. Anyway, I called my endo a couple of days after my surgery and he said I could stop taking metformin asap. I waited about …

Today i had my first. I have a 10cc band and only got 1cc fill. Just wondering is that normal? I've was thinking i would get more. What now should i look for? I am on liqiuds for 24 hrs and then back to soft foods. Will i be able to really tell if i've had enough to eat? What kinds of things are best to eat right after a fill? Is there anything i really need to stay away from? Any advise please will help.

I was banded on July 31st and I have lost about 40 lbs. I feel that I am not losing weight like I want to. I exercise at least 4 times a week for 45 minutes. I know I am not eating enough protein or taking in enough water. Everyone is telling me that 40 pounds in 3 months is great, I just feel like it should be more. I have started going to aerobics to see it this helps. Any suggestion's or to ear log/things that I can do help me drop at an average of 2lbs a week.

I had my surgery in May of 2009, and my first fill (and only fill) sometime at the end of June. No problems - except the normal too big of bite or thought bread would work. Stupid stuff like that. But in the past week and a half to two weeks, I'm getting where I can't drink or eat. I had trouble eating chicken broth for lunch today. This whole weekend, I couldn't eat anything and finally figured out how to get food out - yuck. Seems like my band has gotten tighter - anyone else have that problem? Or know what would cause it? I lost 7 lbs over the weeknd, but I'm worried that something is wrong.

Has anyone ever felt depressed after their surgery? I'm almomst 6 weeks post op. The surgery was beautiful, no complaints. In fact, I had two surgeries, because I had a hernia as well. Week 4 everything was great. I started losing, and felt wonderful. Lots of energy, low appetite, feeling wonderful, lots of walking. Now, I'm so blue, that I can't event exercise, and I am eating lots of carbs which I don't need. The last two days, I'm been laying around, unmotivated, and I feel disgusted with myself, and wondering what happened. Everything hurts too. Knees, joints, I feel sluggish. I haven't been drinking any Water, which is terrible, and I'm sorta in a rut. Not losin…

I am 18 days post op and still have not had a day when I feel hungry .. IS this normal.. I HATE the liquids and the mushies, but they seem to keep my appetite in check.. Anybody else having this kind of post op experience????

Are there any companies out there that offer travel ins with a band? I live in Australia, am travelling to South Africa for 6 weeks in Dec/Jan. Not DEEPEST DARKEST AFRICA LOL - 1st world, world class medical facilities - Africa. I have spoken to a number of insurers that cover pre-existing conditions(even though the BAND is not a condition) and for some reason they all seem to exclude the band.Most of them have a blanket exemption on anything you have had surgery for in the past 24 months. Well yes I had the band placed in June but that was elective and I was healthy not sick at the time. As a result of that surgery I am now even healthier - I have a normal BMI, I'm …

I hope someone can help me. I'm not sure what's going on. The past few weeks i've had trouble with the band, either hungry or can't eat a thing. I went to the band dr. and she did an upper GI with a fill to see what's happening. She said the band looked good and was actually loose. so put some in.. i'm at about 2.5 on a 4 cc band. Anyway, stayed on liquids as instructed for two days then tried food but my body wasn't having any of that. I'm still on liquids and it's day 5. I thought my bad was too tight then i started feeling the sour stomach taste in my mouth and realized that's stomach acid. Now I think I have reflux and when she played with my band it triggered it w…

Banded on July 9th, I just wonder how every one else is doing. I have had one fill on the 31st July before I started my new job. A job where I simply could not miss a day or time off for the doctor. I am able to eat really anything I want without a problem although the size of those things I now put into my mouth are so much smaller then ever before. There are things I simply have not eaten just because I know how bad they are for me. I am I think now at 15/16 weeks out but I have lost count at this point. I am going to get only my second fill at the end of Nov and I do hope this puts more restriction on my band as I feel very little of it now. I know it is ther…

I had my 2nd fill which was 2cc bringing me up to 6cc in a 11cc band. I am able to drink fine but I have this constant feeling in my throat like something is stuck at the base of my neck. Is this related to the fill am I feeling too tight or just me being paranoid?

I was banded on 9/23. I have lost 20lbs, but not because I have been feeling any restriction. I am using sheer will power to get this weight off. I had my second fill last thrusday and I felt some restriction right after, but I was on liquids and mushies for 2 days. Saturday I tried to eat and got stuck after 1 bite at every meal and the food had to come up. I even thought for a brief second that the band might have been too tight, but then.......... Sunday....no restriction at all. I was able to eat any foods that I wanted from shrimp to white meat chicken and salad and did not feel any restirction....I mean none Why would this happen?? today not feelin…

I was filled last Tuesday and wow, talk about restriction. I've been able to eat chili, steak soup, salad, etc. I can not eat potatoes that are mashed. Anyone else have issues with potatoes?

Im 7 weeks out of surgery. Ive lost 70 lbs with pre and post op diet. I stopped losing about 3 weeks ago and Im getting frustrated. Im not at my sweet spot yet but why should that matter if Im only eating 1300 calories a day and walking 1 and1/2 miles everyday. And I weigh 400 lbs so 1 1/2 miles for me is alot. I just dont get it. Maybe the 900 calorie 3 week liquid pre op diet really screwed up my metabolism. I mean wow at 400 lbs and the life style change ya think the weight would be falling off . Im really freaking out.I just want to cry.

Hi, I was just banded 3 days ago and I woke up in the recovery room with this terrible Pain in my left shoulder and heart area. They gave me some pain meds at the hospital and said it was from the gas they use during surgery. It hurts very bad and the only thing that seems to help is when I stand up. The hospital did not send any pain meds home with me, so I have been taking aspirin. I am not hungry and I am bloated something awful. Has anyone else experienced this shoulder pain ?

Somebody tell me what I'm doing wrong. I had surgery on Sept 24 and since the surgery I've only lost 4.5 lbs. I am so discouraged because I've been sticking to my 3 oz of Protein, drinking 60 grams of Protein Drink and trying to drink Water in between. I usually walk the tract 30 minutes which I was advised at least 4 to 5 times a week. And still no weight loss. I was due for a fill this past Tuesday, but they cancelled and I can't get the PA to call me back for a refill. I'm usually not a confrontational person, but I am pissed and will be voicing my concerns tomorrow. What am I doing wrong to not lose any weight. I'm begining to doubt this procedure and why di…

Just got back from monthly weigh-in. Despite the EVIL Halloween candy from Saturday, I still lost six pounds since my fourth fill three weeks ago. I'm satisfied with that. I've noticed that as I lose more weight, the pounds are coming off more slowly. However, I've not had a weight gain since surgery, and that makes me very happy. I will have another fill in 1 1/2 weeks and am hoping for my sweet spot, but even if it doesn't take me to that spot, I know I'll be OK. I've learned how to make the band work for me, and I'm a better woman because of it. Looking forward to Thanksgiving and being with the family rather than eating myself into a stupor. Next weigh in--an…

I can eat about anything right now and lord knows I cannot wait til Nov 16th when I go for my first fill. I think I gained back like 2lbs that I lost out of 22lbs. It is very hard not to eat since i am not done with mushy's. What did you do what did you eat. I think im going to try to eat lots of salads and grilled meat. I also need to get my workout together.

Yes that is a disgusting topic I know. Sorry :-) As much as I try not for it to happen, it does get me every once in a while. Yesterday it happened because I ate too much too fast and while I was driving home. I was juggling a bunch of things and trying to save time. The next thing I know, I had to pull over on the 4 lane highway I was driving on and let 'er rip along the side of the road. I wondered to myself as it was happening about how many other lap band patients find themselves along side a road every now "sliming." Then I wondered about unusual places it's happened at so I posted this thread. This is meant as way to deal with the unpleasant part of it in a hu…

I was banded on 9/16. Before surgery, I only told a few people. My husband, my mom, my sister, and two close friends. After, I decided that I was not going to keep it a secret, but I wasn't going to go out of my way to tell anyone. My mom, who is usually my biggest support besides my husband, has been terrible. I am so hurt by what she did today... First off, everytime I have eaten with her she has announced that I can't eat it or asks me if I can eat it. Today, we went to lunch with a big group. I ordered and she asked me if I could eat all of it. I said, "Why do you want some?" Then when it came, she asked again if I could eat it. I said no and she annou…

I was banded 8-19-09, and had a 14 cc band put in. I had my first fill 9-29-09 only 1cc put in already had 5.1 cc in it. Then on 10-28-09 went for next fill and have a total of 7.6 cc in it. I had no trouble swollowing water and ok to leave. Now that I am able to eat, I can only eat about 3 spoonfuls of food (soups, cottage cheese). I tried eating meatloaf that was very moist and after a couple bites I was so full and had to vomit. Is this normal or do you think I have to much in?

I'm five days post-op! So far I'm experiencing some really bad hiccups that radiates really bad pain in my shoulder. I read some other posts and read different things. Anyone have any suggestions as to what exactly that comes from?! Also, feeling great considering. Im moving around alot better, but still very sore around the biggest incision. Im so ready to use my tool to a better, healthier me! Im at a stand still right now, but I was told during the first week post-op I would prob see very little or none at all due to the gas and initial Water weight. I guess I'm wondering what a good goal for christmas would be. I started out at 295, I'm 275 now. So, I was thi…

I had surgery on Monday, and have given myself hooker baths since then, but haven't taken a shower :sad: I am afraid to take my bandages off, and am afraid to really even look at them - I am such a wuss. The pain has gotten better every day, I am still a bit gassy, I've got the shoulder gas pains... From what I can tell there is quite a bit of bruising around my incisions. How long did it take for you to take your bandages off?

I had my first fill yesterday, and I did not fell well last night. It seems the nurse and doctor did not tell me to stay on Clear liquids, and I got a little sick. Anyway, I called this morning and got the information straight and fell much better now. I found out today that I passed my National Board renewal certification! I am so happy! Just wanted to let any teachers out there know, because they will understand what it means to me. Stay strong, everyone! We can do this!:Yawn:

Hey everyone, been alwhile since I have talked just wondering how everyone is doing out there. I have lost 30lb.s since the surgery. But I feel I am losing steam. My weight keeps going up and down by 2 pounds. Need to get my head around this life style again. Excercise more and write down what I eat. Have a fill for next week. Just need some support. Cece Banded: June 30th 2009 Dr. Campbell CMC NH:bored:

OK so heres my place so far lol, i was banded on june 4th and have had a pretty speedy recover. i was swithced the pureed foods after 4 days and was told i would be starting mushies on the 27th. Yesterday i a a few bites of salad and chewed to the point of exhaustion so i was able to handle it. Today we had a fathers day dinner and i was absolutely horrible. Myh portions werent a problem but im thinking i shouldnt have advanced myself without doctors approval. I had a tiny peice of chiken with Pasta , a very small amount compared to my old eaTING Habits, BUT then i had a sundae when everyone was having dessert. I know i should of said no. But i guess i failed this 1st…

Just wondering if there are any other NY Bariatric Group patients on here. I feel we had an excellent pre-op education compared to what I have read on here. Also, I am having my first fill this Thursday and wondered how it works with their practice.

**Warning: novel-length post ahead** I'm a little over six weeks out from surgery, and finally eating regular foods, just in much smaller amounts than I used to. I need help in getting my mind wrapped around a few things. In the two weeks after surgery, I lost 17 pounds. The next week, maybe 1 more. In the last three weeks, I have lost and gained the same 2 pounds over and over. A bunch of people at work know I had the surgery, and keep calling me "Miss Skinny" and asking how much weight I've lost. I've told these people not to expect miracles, and that healthy weight loss would be 1-2 pounds a week, but I haven't even achieved that yet. Now I just tell them I h…

Im just wondering what would happen? Would you get sick?

I am only 2 weeks post op and am very pleased that I have lost 30 lbs since i started the pre op diet. But I look in the mirror and can't tell I have lost any weight at all!! Do others have that problem? At what point can you and others really tell you are loosing weight. Right now people say "you look great" but they aren't sure if I changed my hair style or what the change is........

Ever since I had my first fill on Tuesday the 27th of October, i have had that same dang shoulder pain I had after surgery.. Is it possible to get the gas pain after fills? Has anyone else experienced this? :Yawn:

Has anyone heard anything from heftynetty? I knew she was having complications but haven't heard any updates in a while.

I took my wife out today for dinner for first time in 4 weeks( we used to go out 2-3 times a weeK) since I was banded on October 2nd. She had pasta & salad and I had soup. total bill was $19 and change...that was the first time in my life I ever did a dinner for two under $20. No two appetizers xtra bread two desserts no 4 or 5 drinks..normally it would be about $60 or so. I had a bowl of soup and the waiter brought me another one(its all you can eat soup) I made it thru about half way on 2nd bowl then I stopped= tank full. I am looking foward to the future when we(I) can OCCASIONALLY go for dinner and eat like "normal" people. was a big step and I wasn't …

OK, all of our doctors tell us to stop smoking. I did for about 24 hours. It's been almost a year since I had my surgery. I've lost 50 lbs, I feel great. However, I have incredible heartburn. I went to the doctor last week, and they removed some fluid thinking I was too tight. Now, I eat EVERYTHING! I really think the heartburn is from smoking. Anyone else have this problem? I keep wanting to call the doctor, to have him put the fluid back in, but then again, I want to do what's right - STOP SMOKING - then once I do good - get a reward of more fluid. Am I a mess or what? Please let me know your advise. Thanks so much.

Hello Everyone. It is almost like a dream come true for me. I finally have my band (Oct 29th), and am now home trying to work the gas through my system. What has been wonderful is that I have read all of your posts and experiences and knew that everything I was experiencing was NORMAL (because of the info on this message board). Anyway, I am so inspired, I decided to start a blog and capture my adventure.. so please visit my story below.. The only downside to all of this is that I did leave the hospital heavier than I arrived.. I know this is probably fluids and GAS (ha ha).. Belly is swollen, but hopefully with time this all goes away... Be well

So my Aunt was talking to a friend of hers who has had the lapband. She told my Aunt to make sure I knew NOT to brush my teeth for 15 min if I got slimes or even threw up? That does not make sense to me as that is coating your teeth to protect from the acid that comes up, but why would you not want to brush your teeth for 15 min? That is the first thing I want to do. Has anyone else heard anything like this?

I got banded this morning..My diet papers to say drink room temp. Water is it ok to put the sugar free flavor packages in there as long as its still room temp? Also said I could have broth/bouillon is there a limit on that? Also are we suppose to sleep on our backs only??

Anyone interested in chatting over coffee this morning?

I've never posted before but have been an avid follower of everyone else's stories and posts. I'm 1 month out and have started on 'normal' food. I feel terrible after I've eaten for the last couple of weeks, ever since the pureed food stage started. It doesn't seem to matter how little I eat or how slow, it has become worse since I've progressed to this next stage. It also feels like the foods sitting somewhere between my throat and the bottom of my ribs. I'm not sure if it's just taking my system a bit to get used to the variety of foods again perhaps?? I've told the dietician but she just says eat slower and smaller, but I'm down to half a cup at a time and that's…

I was banded a week ago. Today was suppose to be my first day back to work, and I was excited about it. Physically I feel great!! Better than I thought I would! However, in the shower this morning I felt heavy pressure on my chest like I couldn't breathe. I took a deep breath in and told myself it was going to be okay. I haven't stopped crying since. I don't know why I am crying......... Has anyone else experienced this? Needless to say......I am not going into work today because I am a basket case! :sad:

I made a banana/chocolate protein shake this morning for breakfast. The ingredients are 1 cup skim milk, banana and a scoop of my choc protein powder. For the first time since my surgery on October 21, I feel REALLY full. Should I have put less milk in the shake? I completely forgot that the liquid diet I'm on really doesn't have me having more than 1/2 cup of anything until I started feeling this full. I just don't want to stretch my band and I'm getting extremely paranoid. HELP! Thanks!!

I had my surgery on Tuesday-oct 27th and all the incisions are healing well. My doctor found an esophageal hernia while he was in there and repaired it. Has anyone else experienced this? Also my stomach is still very bloated out almost like I am 6 months pregnant. I keep taking walks every 2-4 hours hoping to get rid of the bloat but I also feel like a pressure where my stomach pouch is. Is this normal? Is it just because I am swollen? Does this feeling of pressure go away? and how long until it does? I slept in the recliner last night so I could have my head somewhat above my feet. Can the hernia come back? I am being very careful with the liquids. I don't swi…

I had my first "fill" today. Wow! It went almost as I imagined, but I am worried he put in too much. I tried to eat tonight and only got in two bites before it came back up. I then tried a yogurt and lost that as well. I finally got a little to stay down by eating it very slowly. Does it get better in a few days, or do you think I need to contact my doctor to see if he needs to remove some. He put very little in at the time of the surgery 8 weeks ago, but today he put in 3 cc's and maybe that was too much. He said mine was an 8, but I don't know exactly what that means. Anyone know? I am happy for any comments and advice.... Thanks everyone!:sad:

I am 2 weeks post off and am having sporadic menstral like cramps (sorry guys) on my right side about 6" above my appendix. Anyone else have any of these?

Banded june 3rd of 2008 started at 365.5 and now im down to 254.0 as of this morning how's everyone else doing !? It feels like its been ages since I've last seen anyone from around my band time posting and sharing good news!

I know this is a question for my surgeon but it's Sunday morning and nobody is there. I had my surgery on Oct 19th (woo hoo!) and I saw my surgeon for a follow up on the 22nd. At that time he took off the bandages over my incision sites except for where the Port is. The other incision sites are not infected and haven't re-opened or anything, but they are just red and sore and a little itchy- I guess from healing. I wanted to put some anti-biotic ointment on them, but he didn't instruct me to. Maybe he just wants the air to hit them- I don't know. I feel like I'm overthinking this. Anti-biotic ointment can't be a bad thing. I'll call the office tomorrow and ask- but I was …

So I'm all worried about the post op gas pain. I've seen a few people recommend Gas-X strips. I was thinking that they might not help at all. The gas isn't in your belly where the strip will end up, but under your skin. I can't imagine that the Gas-X travels systemically. Has anyone's surgeon advised them one way or the other about this??