POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

We had our annual Octoberfest Party last night- probably 100 or so people here. I have lost 40 lbs and people really noticed. It was a night of compliments and I loved it!!!:thumbup:

Hey Everybody! I'm here with another question. I went to the nutritionist that my surgeon recommended and she is giving me plans of what to eat every meal, every day and how much to eat of it for every stage. I am getting ready to move to mushies on Tuesday. Is this really necessary? I know I need to eat healthy. Not drink drinks with sugar, but as long as I'm eating healthy foods I should be ok shouldn't I? Like right now she told me to eat 1/2 cup of pureed Soup for lunch and then for dinner, but what if I drink some more times than that? Is it going to hurt me? Or what if I don't feel full with 1/2 cup? Is it going to hurt me if I have 3/4 cup? I'm confused.... :…

Hey all. I just passed my 3 month bandiversary and adore my band. I am 65 pounds down. Wow how life has changed! I have a question for bandsters who have had their weight off for a while. And in advance, sorry, it's a question about loose skin. :blushing: Just wondering if you have found once you got to goal if your skin tightened up a bit as it adjusted to your weight loss, or if it pretty much stayed the same? I realize this is dependant on many things, just looking for others experiences. Thanks! Melissa:tongue2:

Does anyone elses band feel tighter since the cooler weather has come? Mine seems tighter and I think the nurse said something about the band getting tighter in the winter.But I can't remember and I just wanted to hear from others who may know..

I had my surgery on 10/22 and have a couple of questions. Feel free to answer as I am not real sure what I should expect right now. 1. Is it normal to not go #2? 2. Any tricks to get the gas out of your system? 3. When you burp, is it normal to feel like all of your insides are rumbling? 4. Anyone know of a Protein supplement that is not milked based. (I cannot do anything milk based at this point. Lets just leave it at, we're not friends!) I would appreciate any help with any of these questions! And I look forward to sharing my long term success with everyone.:thumbup:

I am 3 days post op. Today I drank about 4oz of an alba drink (on my recommendation sheet). It took 45-60 min to drink it. 8 hours later and I STILL feel full. Is this normal? I did not drink excessively or quickly, but can't believe I am still full. Did I do something wrong? What can I do to alleviate this feeling?

Everytime I go in for a fill my doc takes at least 10 "stabs" to find the port. He says it is sitting sideways but I don't really want to play around with the amount in my band because I am so sore after the procedure. I am going in next week to have the fill done under flouroscope. Will this help him in the future find the port or do you think he may need to open me up and place it in a better place?

Hi all I was just wondering I had my surgery last wed the 14th and im now on full liquids til sunday. My husband is making pepper soup and I wanna eat the broth from it, but im wondering if it will hurt me.

I am sick of soup I have 8 days left on my liquid diet I've had soup, jello, pudding, protien shakes I need something more. Anyone have any ideas or am I stuck here for 8 more days.

Also had hiatal hernia , that they repaired while in there. This is day 6 for me -- am still on Clear liquids, but am playing "gringo bingo" even tho I have had no solids. Anybody else having this problem??

OK fellow bandsters I need some stories please. My husband was banded Wednesday AM 10/21 at 10am. It's now Friday night 10/23 at 8.30pm and he has so much pain he is in tears....inside his belly around his port area. The pain meds knock the pain and he falls asleep but when Oh GOD when will the pain subside??????

I am looking for advicve on having gall bladder surgery after having Lapband. I went to the dr a month ago, then after numerous dr's, er trip and finally a hyda scan they figured out that my gall bladder is not working properly and to eliminate the pain and all is to remove it. I am opting to remove i. I go on the 30th of Oct for a pre op appt, so until then I have horrific pain the dr won't do nothing about. To people who have had their gall bladder out before, when they do the surgery did they do the laproscopic or open surgery? I have been ready online that if you have had previous stomach surgery they won't do laproscopic only open due to scar tissue, but then I …

Hello all , i had my band 3 months ago , my first fill was 1 week ago , i have 9 cc in , my band is 11 cc although i have 9 cc in i feel the restriction is not enough , yesterday i was able to eat the following with no problem 1 cup of Soup 2 and a half slices of bread 10 small shrimps and a glass of Water is that normal !!! i mean i eat less than before but i still think that is too much to eat when u have a 9cc fill , can some one please tell me whats going on ? should i have another fill or not? or do i have a stretched pouch ? Thanks

Hi guys! I am 7 weeks out from surgery....I have 5 ccs in a 10cc band. I have been having pain at my band site....not my port site. I know it's my band site because they showed me on the x-ray where it was. It is right below my left boob, and my port is to the left of my belly button-ish area. Since surgery, I have been able to feel my band without pressing down too hard (I can not feel my port at all). In the last few days, I have started to have sharp pains at the band site (i.e. when I stand up, turn, lean forward, ect, roll over). I am starting to get worried that something is wrong. Has anyone else experienced this, or know why the band would be hurting …

Since I've transitioned to eating normal food, I've had a couple of instances where I will burp little pieces of food up hours, like 6-8 hours, after I've eaten. For examples: I can eat the inside of a small chicken eggroll in the afternoon around 1pm, then eat dinner around 7, and somewhere around 9pm, I'll burp up a bit of the cabbage from the eggroll. It's weird, and to be honest pretty gross. I've had some Wendy's chili which has celery and onions, and those came back up hours later as well. I'll eat some tuna with pickle bits, chopped up tiny, and then 3-4 hours later a piece of the pickle will come completely undigested. It's happened with va…

Hi everyone. I had my lap band surgery October 19th. Everything went well. My recovery is going good I think except for a pain right under my breasts. I am not having heart trouble! Does anyone have this same pain? I don't know which side my port is, so that can't be it. Help someone!

I am a month post op and everything has been going well. A little scab on my incision fell off after my shower yesterday and now this serous fluid is draining from my incision. Should i be concerned? I think I will give my surgeon a shout today but just thought I would post it here too.

I just had my banding on 10/15/09. I am going on a cruise in January (approx. 3 months post surgery). my dilemma is.....clothing.......I have no idea what size i will be then and in January, cruise clothes/shorts, swimwear aren't exactly in abbundance. I know I can shop online for swimsuits, but does anyone have any advice? Thanks

I had surgery 5 days ago and im starving I cannot take this crap anymore. I want to eat eat eat I can't even eat broth anymore I refuse. I have been drinking and eating popsicles. I was about to eat a waffle, but grabbed a popsicle instead. Man this is like torture I swear.

Ok so I have to admit that I didnt have to go through all the crazy appointments to see tons of doctors and other people to get the lap band surgery ( which I think people should be more greatful for as it gives you more interaction with people to ask more questions and have conversation about the surgery otucome etc). It was actually very easy ( as I am in Korea). In saying that I see now that I missed a lot of things I should have asked and/or done and doubled checked BEFORE my surgery. Anyways I swear that I asked my doctor before about the pouch but today we were just chatting and he mentioned the pouch and I said well its bigger then this model right ( he has a body …

I got my first fill today 2cc. It hurt like hell. The Dr. told me 2 days liquid, 2 days mushy. 5th day normal. I get filled in two more months. How much pain was everyone in?

I just had to share an AMAZING food find that I think other bandsters would LOVE!! This weekend we were at Super Wal-Mart in the Deli section and saw a case of prepared meats from Hormel. There was pork, beef tips, roast, chicken & turkey. I chose the chicken in gravy. The food is fresh, not frozen. There are 3 breasts in each package. Including gravy, each serving is only 120 calories and 20+ grams of protein!!! It takes less than a minute to cook, and...get ready for this....it is SUPER INCREDIBLY MOIST and DELICIOUS!!! I went back and bought every last package of chicken breast they had!!! The price was only $4.98! I've never had a problem eating chick…

Oh yes, I am in bandster hell. I am hungry and trying not to eat more than I should. I knew it was coming and I am trying very hard to keep on top of things. And yet, I am still having episodes of being stuck. I have found that I cannot eat chicken, unless it is covered in a sauce and I most definitely cannot eat any kind of bread. Both have gotten stuck and have caused some major pain. I am one month out of my operation and have been given the okay to be eating just about anything, and most of the time I have no difficulty, exept for these two items. I have my first fill on 6 November and am hoping to get some restriction, but will have to wait and see. Until then,…

Had a fill today...........up to 4.8cc's in a 10 band. Before this fill nothing had to diet, hoping this helps, she had me up to 5.2 cc's, but could not get Water down. so she kept unfilling to 4.8. So question how can you tell your sweet spot? Thanks,

I was banded two days ago. So far, I'm thrilled! I've lost 30lbs so far from the pre-op diet etc, although I don't see it or feel it anywhere yet. I am so excited to be starting this new stage in my life... and so glad to finally be able to post in the "post-op" forum! Nice to "Meet" ya!

Hey Everyone! I know Cokes and anything that is carbonated we have been told that we can NEVER drink again right? I was thinking yeah, but maybe after I'm healed a little bit here or there wouldn't hurt right? I have read about other people that have had a little bit and didn't bother them. Well, I am finally cured from all carbonated beverages. My mom was talking to a doctor friend of ours and he was wanting her to know how serious the decision I was making to have the sleeve was and how I need to follow all directions and take care of myself. He was telling her that he helped assist on a WLS, not sure which one this lady had and afterwards I'm not sure how long it was…

Hello Everybody! It has been 10 days since I was sleeved. I'm doing pretty well. Looking forward to moving to mushies next week! :thumbup: YAY! I've lost 16lbs. so far. :lol0: When I went back to the doctor he told me that I was dehydrated and needed to drink more. They told me I need to drink like 3 20oz bottles of liquid everyday. I probably have been drinking 1... I guess I have been worried about drinking too much or taking too big of sips. HOW do I know if this happens? I really haven't had any problems since the surgery. I haven't felt like I was going to throw up or anything like that. Also when I drink soup, I am finally able to eat soup with chicken and …

Hello Ladies, Gents, and Other! I was banded last August (You can see my Before and Current's if you like ) and since I am starting my Masters program, I have decided to do my Thesis on Bariatric Surgery. This is not like an official survey or anything, but I am trying to get some feedback to see who else feels like me. :thumbup:I went from a size 20 to a size 10, and I still FEEL like a 20. When I go to sit in a seat on a plane I expect it to be a tight fit, I also think I need to turn sideways to get through areas I can easily walk through now. I always pick up the size thats too big out of habit, and I still call myself a "Big Girl." Do you feel this way too? …

OK, so, I'm not banded yet (I'll know my surgery date on November 11), but, I want to know.... What do you attribute to your success? I want to make sure that I use the band to my BEST advantage and I want to know what works for everyone else? What do you think makes a difference as far as how much weight you've lost? Walking? Lots of liquid protein? Support groups? I want to use this as a very effective tool for the most success. What works for you? What do you attribute to your weight loss????

I read all of the posts and am so confused by some of the LapBand lingo. Could somebody psot a list for us newbies? Also I am 8 days out and I am soooooooo thirsty. I want to take a glass of Water and drink til it is empty...

Hey guys, I am post op - in pureed stage. I have done pretty good down 18, but tonight I could not resist I was hungry and overdid it. I don't have much restriction but I ate spaghetti 8 bites, 2 bits cottage cheese, some milk and then about 1/4 cup refried Beans w/ cheese and cottage cheese 3 crackers. Can I hurt the effects of my surgery. I did not get sick or vomit. Felt like I have some fullness pressure in chest. Thanks

Hi, I was banded on the 2nd October 2009, so im currently 3 weeks post op. Ever since i have had the band if i eat yogurt i get a feeling of heartburn/Indigestion. (this i never experience before i was banded). Does anyone else have this issue with yogurt? Is it a common problem that lots of people have ?

Has anyone been banded by Dr. Patel at Atlanticare hospital? I have a seminar to go to on Nov. 13th and did anyone have to pay any additional out of pocket fees going thru them?

hi, Ive been banded over a year. my weight loss has slowed, ive got about 20 more lbs before im really happy. My family is going on a cruise (Western Carribien) over the Thanksgiving holiday. I need some advice on what to ask for, ideas about what to eat. I'm not really worried about gaining, my band is right at it's "sweet spot", but I tend to have problems eating out. maybe I eat too fast, by the time the food arrives, it looks good! I just dont want to have issues (sliming,etc) on vacation. I could stick to soup, but I was hoping someone might have some good ideas!:thumbup:

I've been banded for almost 2 months now, and once in an occasional while, I will feel a little, tiny sharp pain on the right side of my midriff. It lasts a second, and I will feel it once. Then nothing for a couple of weeks or more. I've felt it 3 times in the last 2 months. Anyone experienced this?

I went to my nutrition class today in anticipation of my surgery on 11/3. They said that the Isopure protein drinks did not count as clear liquid even though they are 'clear' because they contain protein. Apparently for 3 days after surgery, there's to be no protein. The nutritionist didn't know why (have to say I wasn't too impressed with her). Does anyone here know why protein is banned? .

I am almost 4 mos postop and had 4 fills already. After 3 fills I was not losing any weight and did not feel restriction even when I had 8cc in 11cc band. Last fill I told my doc that I was very discouraged with the whole lapband thing. He took out all the saline from the band which was 7cc and put in something called xray contrast fluid. He didnt tell me how much he put but he told me it takes less volume with this fluid and I should be tight. I never heard anything like that for fill other than saline, so I was curious if anyone heard this before? I do feel restriction better than before and cant eat rice and bread which get stuck. thx.

Hey Did any one else gain weight in the days following surgery? On surgery day I weighed 316, I weighed again this morning at 320. What is the reason for this? I have only had liquids and have walked a mile on the treadmill both days. What gives?

Hi a very dear friend of mine also had the gastric sleeve and sadly passed away from having blood clots in his lungs... my question and concern....Is how long do we need to worry about getting blood clots? I was under the impression that you only had to worry about them during surgery and right after.....he was already almost 1 month out of surgery and then developed these blood clots.... I see my surgeon tomorrow so I am hoping he has alot more answers to help ease my mind....but I was just wondering what everyone's opinion was?:001_tongue:

Hi Ive read the forums for months and now I'm 2 days post op, and I'm getting real nervous since I cant keep much down. The soups will not stay in the sleeve, I'm trying to drink as much as possible but fear i am going to be dehydrated soon. Also I have a burning sensation everytime I eat or drink. anyone out there that can help me? I'm still in the hospital and scared to go home.:thumbup:

ok, I'm one day post op!!! Finally a bandester, i feel fine I opt for the new lap band AP. I'm glad with my decision. well fellow bandsters I made it to your world. :drool::thumbup:

Hello..Has anyone felt weird after their fill? I had my first fill today and driving home I got this weird taste in my mouth. And I am not feeling well....very tired and achy. I don't know if this is a coincidence or what. I just don't feel well. I just feel weird...hard to explain....hope i am not getting sick.

Folks I am in week 5, and I have done well at about a 45 pound loss. The problem is that I have not lost anything in the last 10 days. I had my one month visit with the Dr. and he was happy overall, but I told him about my stall and we discussed calorie and Protein intake. It turns out that I am only putting in between 500-600 calories a day. He said that I should increase my calories with lean Proteins and get up to at least 800 a day. Has anyone else been down this road this early on? I am a bit depressed because I thought that the first couple of months was going to be a bit more predictable.

Today is my first bandiversary!! What a great year it's been. I've lost 63 pounds and am just 12 from goal! And, along the way, I've had fun, enjoyed myself, made some amazing bandster friends, and had a really wonderful year. For the first time in my life, I feel good about my weight. I am happy with my appearance, and I don't want to hide from old friends because I am embarrassed by how much weight I have gained. Instead, I actually really like shopping again, and I am in the best physical shape of my life. The band has made this whole process so much easier -- and very sustainable for me -- and I feel so happy and grateful to have been able to take this path…

I relocated to Concord California (SF Eastbay) about 10 months ago from Texas and since moving I have not been able to find a doctor or facility to get a fill. Can anyone out there suggest a place for me??? Thank you

I recently ordered acai berry capsules to boost my weight loss. I just started it today, so has anyone tried this yet and had any results or have I fell victim once again to something that seems to good to be true? You are also supposed to use a colon cleanse with it for full benefits, but I have not received that yet.

I know this has been asked somewhere on this thread, but I can't find it! I am about 4 1/2 months post-op and I am losing hair by the hand fulls! I shed constantly. I am taking all my vitamins (Daily plus a Calcium supplement) and am making protein a priorty in my diet (average about 60 a day). Is there something I can add to my diet or supplements to slow it down? Thanks in advance for any support!

I'm very sorry if this has been asked a million times before, but I am feeling really crook and just want to get the question asked and over and done with so I can rest again rather than sitting on the computer searching through the forum for an hour... I had my surgery 2 days ago and since then I have not had one moment where I feel like I dont have air in my belly.. I keep burping it out when sitting on an angle, but as soon as I sit up again, I feel like I have a balloon stuck in my stomach and it hurts to breath... it hurts to burp when sitting up straight but when I go back on the angle it comes out fine again... is this normal?? I find most of the time I feel li…

I found out this morning that I need to have my band removed. I have too much acid reflux. Most of the time it gets better with weight loss but the band was just making it worse. I'm going to have gastric bypass and doc said I wouldn't have any more acid reflux. Little nervous but ready to not have such stomach pain.

First question - I'm sure many of you have or had thighs that rub together - like me . Now that they're not rubbing, will the dark coloring fade over time? Also, I'm losing weight; however, it all appears to be coming from my bust and behind. Second question - will the rest of my body finally be in proportion to these shrinking areas? Yes, this may seem like a stupid question to some... Thanks in advance for your responses.