POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I had my first fill 3 weeks ago (scheduled for another on the 31st). After the fill, I could feel a restriction, especially if I ate too fast or too big - in fact, I had my very first feeling of something getting stuck. But after the 2nd week - nothing...could this indicate a leak?

Hi all I'm new here and I've read some interesting and helpful posts, but not quite what I was wondering about. 1. What are PB's? 2. Where do you get those ticker tapes? In discussion with my doctor, it seems that currently my fill is about right - a hard thing for me to be sure of since every day even some of the same foods seem to react differently. Some days things don't stay down, and I'm worried about my band slipping. If anyone has had it happen - do you feel it? Or how do you know? Has anyone else found that the foods we should be eating tend not to go down as easily as the foods we should be avoiding. What a pain.

I got banded Oct 14, 2009 at 350 pounds. My short term goal is to reach 330 by end of 2009. The only thing that's worrying me is to lose my muscle mass. A close friend of mine lost 80 pounds but he looks weak and skinny. I don't want to be like that. Any advice on what I need to do to maintain my muscles? Ahmed

i am a little upset, i am 14 days post-op and lost 10 pounds in 1 weeks but have been nots lost any in 5 days, i dont know if its normal, or maybe i am doing something wrong!:thumbup:

Hi gang - ok so a week after my first fill - I must have eaten chicken too fast.. and I got the pressure in my chest which i figured was just full but it wasn't going down. So I'm trying to burp up and nothing.. then I remembered they told me to drink hot Water - WELL that would be ok if I were home but I was at work. Suddenly I felt nauseous and before I can even make it to the bathroom door I almost projectiled foam and it even came out of my nose too! At work!!! HORRIFYING!!!! It seemed like I was having a coughing choking fit with gurgloing, but maybe my coworkers were polite and pretended not to notice they all know I had this surgery. So I made it to the ba…

I have a embarassing question - I had my surgery on 10/13 - still having a hard time getting in enough fluid and protien. My question is,, starting last friday I developed loose stools, very loose- 3-4 times a day - i have yet to have normal BM.. any thoughts on how long this lasts?

Hi everyone, haven't been on for a while because things just have not been good. Was banded 9/08 and lost around 45 pounds til 7/09. Not great but 45 pound is 45 pounds. Then on 7/29/09 I fell at home, broke my arm in three places, tore my rotator cuff, tore the tendons holding my bicep and had to have surgery. I now have an 8.5 inch scar, steel plate, 11 screws keeping me together. Then I got a blood clot in my jugular vein so I am on blood thinners trying to get rid of that. PT 2 x's week for the arm. But I was instructed not to do anything to increase my heart rate and I am not allowed to get any fills while on the blood thinner. I am sick of my arm not working…

Good Afternoon Peps! I am banded~ It wasn't so bad. The worst part was the IV and the gas in my left shoulder. I am a tiny bit sore and I imagine it will get worse tomorrow. I just took my first dose of liquid Vicodin. I am going to try to take a nap in a few minutes. That hospital sleep is not the best. My house is quiet. The hubby is outside messing with his bike and my kids are safe, elsewhere. They will be spending a few nights at my moms! Thank God for her. I could not imagine life without her..... I was finished at around 10:10am and in recovery for 1 1/2 hours. Next I did the x-ray.... Then Dr Fisher came about 12:40pm and discussed the procedure with me. I had…

does anyone still diet while on the lap band, as in do you still take diet pills or do you still eat low fat and sugar free foods?

Hi Everybody, Quick introduction, my name is Andre, I reside in South Africa. Am I band to sleeve revision and I was sleeved 2 days ago on Monday 19th at 4pm. Tomorrow I need to go for a leak test as a safety check and then it's up to me to create my destiny. Since discharge from hospital I have stuck with only clear liqueds (mostly sports drinks) and today tried to sip down my second cup of tee this week. I am not aware of Isopure in South Africa and will look for a replacement to drink from next week. Only real pain I have is when ever I need to "burp" more like air escaping than burping. Has any of the more experienced sleevsters got a tip for this problem. …

Ok...two nights ago I ate some white bean chicken chili, have eaten it before with no problems. I was banded back in June and have what I consider good restriction. I ate a small bowl and when I started to feel that "full" feeling I stopped. Went and watched tv for a while. About three hours later I started having severe chest pains. These were right about the area where my sternum is. It felt like someone was sitting on my chest and it hurt to breath. It wasn't my heart but it hurt and it hurt bad. My roommate was taking me to the hospital (I didn't think it was a stuck issue since I hadn't eaten in like three hours) and stopped at the fire department because I w…

if so, what did u eat? did u have complications later?

I was banded on 10/17, I'm having pain/tightness in my upper back, shoulders,& neck. I'm also having a lot of burping/more like air pockets that i can feel rising up its can be pretty painful. I did clear liquid for 3 days & have now added protein shakes to it also, all together I only drink about 3-4 cups of liquid a day I have taken mylanta for the gas but maybe I should switch to gas x. any help will be greatly appreciated.

Just wnodering how everyone is doing? In the 7 1/2 months that I've had my band I have lost 48 lbs. It seems a little slow, but I feel great. I don't think that I am at my sweet spot yet, but maybe with the next fill. Hopefully the weight will come off steadily, instead of 5-7 lbs. in one week and then nothing for the next 4 or 5. That gets kind of discouraging, although there are probably some things that I could do better to help with that. I even bought new jeans today and they were a size 13 in juniors. They were a little tight but it want be long before they are perfect. Hope everyone else is doing well. I would love to hear how things are going with everyon…

I have had my band for about 6 years now, and in the last 2 years sometimes I can eat anything and other times, I can barely get water down without having constant reflux. I had a hysterectomy about 6 months ago and my OB said he saw the "band" floating inside. I have tried to find a doctor in MN, but because they did not put it in, many doctors will not even see me for an appt. Has anyone ever had the band slip off completly? I cannot figure out if the band "slipped" off all the way, why do I still get the eating issues? Any thoughts???:scared2:

So I have a friend who had the realize band implanted about a month ago and the Dr. feels as though it may have a leak. Does either lap band or realize take any responsibilty for the defective band placed in him a month prior or is he on the hook for a whole new surgery? I am not convinced that he has a leak. He has 6.4 cc's in a 10 or 11 CC band (realize C) I am guessing he could just not have restriction yet. Greg

Hello, I am quite embarrassed by what I did, but I did do it. I have changed a lot of habits before surgery and thought I could handle a liquid diet after surgery, but I guess I messed up. Last night -- within 3 hours, I ate 6 cups of Campbell's cream of chicken Soup. I will never do this again, but I just couldn't stop myself. Today I am having some painful burp feelings where I want to burp but cannot. Could I have done damage to sutures 5 days out of surgery by eating like that? I feel terrible about doing that and have removed all Soups from the house.. I only have Protein Shakes and fruit juice here now which I cannot over-eat on (Yuck). Is this burping/ca…

I was banded on March 4 and have been doing very well. I had one fill 3cc back in April and have not had one since. I continue to lose weight so the dr feels I do not need another one. It started about 6 weeks ago having a burning feeling around where my band is. I was to the dr 3 weeks ago and they told me to take over to counter ant-acid pills to see if it helps. They told me that it is not because I'm overfilled. They also want me to come back in a month and if it is not better they will do more tests. I started taking Pepci AC and it worked great the first week or so, but the last two days the pain is coming back. The pain is not bad just a very light burning fe…

I know this is personal and I dont mean to offend anyone, but after your banded does sex hurt? I mean, can you feel the lapband in you?

Hi guys! I am over 6 weeks out from surgery. I have 5ccs in a 10cc band. Since surgery I have been burping like crazy!! Got stuck last week, and have been super sore since then, which is probably why I've noticed lately (every time I burp, I feel like the pressure hits that sore spot). I have been downing Gas-X chewables like candy, and it doesn't seem to help the burping go away. Any ideas on what else to take/do to help reduce and/or eliminate the burping?

Hi all, I was banded on Friday, October 16th, so I am 5 days out. I've had a lot of pain in the incision areas but it has dissipated somewhat. The problem I am experiencing is a sharp pain in my right side (almost like pre-op "normal" gas pain). I am wondering if it is the gas the surgeons used to blow up my stomach during surgery.Would it still be in my body? I called my surgeon and they didn't answer my question however the doctor's assistant called back saying it may be the port and can I come in next week? Unfortunately the only date and time she picked next week, I'll be out of town, so now I have to wait until 11/2. So... is that normal? A sharp pain where th…

Can you stretch the pouch by overeating before good restriction with no PBing? The reason I ask is Im about 6 weeks postop and can easily eat a cup of food and wanting more. I just dont want to stretch my pouch before I have good restriction.Also I try to eat slow but can eat a meal faster than the nut says. Like a cup of crab i can make last about 10 min.

This may not seem like a big deal to many; but, I'm so very excited!!! I have not been under 200lbs in over 20 years. Always, hovering between 233-227. I can't believe that I'm actually wearing a size 14 pants @ 199lbs - currently I'm averaging a 2 pound loss each week and my goal now is to reach 180 by Christmas.

Hi!..I was just banded a week ago and was wondering if the experienced bandsters wore/wear body shapers during their weight loss period? Is it good to have support so you are not as flabby after a significant loss? I guess would it help? Thanks!

I was banded on Oct 15th and am doing wonderfully, but am having a difficult time getting in my protien. I am still on all liquids, and I am not tolerating the powder (Unjury, as suggested by my surgeon and nutritionist) I am presently taking. Anyone have any ideas for the best way to take the protien in to make it more physically compatable, or a suggestion for a good supplement to take that isn't so hard on the tummy? Thanks.

I was banded a little over a year ago and have lost 95 pounds. I haven't had a fill for probably 4 months....I am currently at 7.9cc in a 10cc band and just all the sudden, out of the blue, I am having trouble even swallowing liquids. It does go down but not not without sitting for a second or 2 or 3. I haven't had a true stuck episode in months then 2 nights ago this started happening. I don't know what is going on.....has anyone had this happen?

Has anyone else experienced this problem? I was banded 9-24, having 1st fill next week. If i eat anything except puree foods, it gets stuck in my throat...scarey. I had thought it originally was maybe from surgery and my throat swollen, but it has now been almost a month. Last night tried a piece of haddock, the second i swallow it gets stuck in my throat, ended up throwing up. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this? Thanks for all of your information, you are all the best!

My surgeon never really indicated how long to expect to be out of work following lap band surgery. He said most patients feel better 3-5 days post-op. I had planned on a week, but they also repaired a hiatal hernia. It's been 5 days today, and I am still full of painful gas and some discomfort in the hernia and port site. So I was curious how much time other bandsters took off work?

OK!! My question is has anyone used the Bare Necessities arm sleeves? They are almost like Spanks except for flabby arms. I saw a segment last winter on Today Show, or one of those morning shows and it said that it would instantly hold in all that flab. Sounds too good to be true but I would invest the $ if it worked. I call it an arm girdle. Would also be warm for the winter...... I did a search and there are several on the market but most run between $31 and $65. Wondered if the difference in price would be worth it? I need something to help until the excerise kicks in:smile2::cursing:.....

Hey all, Does your doc let you take ibuprofen post op? I remember we couldnt do it for two weeks pre-op... It's, ahem, that time of the month, and nothing else cuts it.... Thanks!

I'm invited to a party 3 days after my surgery. It's not an "active" event really and there will be plenty of opportunity for me to sit and relax. Of course I won't actually eat anything while I am there. Were you up to this kind of activity 3 days post op (if you stayed home and rested all day)?

Has anyone heard from HeftyNetty? I know she had a lot of complications right after surgery but anyone have an update? Is she home? Just concerned

Hi All, I have pain in my chest, right shoulder, and have no restriction whasoever when I did before. Any ideas on what this might be? I caled the doctor's office. The PA called me back and I was unable to answer. I then called her back and now I am not able to get in touch with her. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! I am scared.:cursing:

Hello all, I had my surgery this morning and im feeling pretty good. I am sore but my throat seems to hurt the worst because of the tubing they put down it :thumbup: Everything went smoothly and I cant wait until I feel better so I can start my new lifestyle. Wish me luck!!

My lung was punctured during surgery (as we all know by now!), but it seems to have healed. I find it hard to breathe throughout the day, particularly taking deap breaths. It feels like my ribcage is too big for my body. Sometimes it gets better as the day progresses, just depends on the day. And yawning is really bad - you know when you have a really hard hiccup? That's what yawning feels like to me - I get about half way through and then have to hold my breath and wish the pain will go away. I just wondered if anyone else has had this trouble? Is it just the body getting used to the band (since it's so close to the diaphram)?

I was banded on August 23, 2009. I have always struggled with finding a sports bra that would keep the "girls" stationary. I am still struggling! I am a 44DD at present, but am hoping that number will change in the future. Anyone have any suggestions about a good, well-fitting comfortable sports bra that will TRULY minimize booby movement?

My doctor has changed his post-op diet from two weeks of liquids with days 3-14 eating pureed meat, fruit and veg. Then moving on to reg. food. I have read so much about the two week liquid diet after being banded that I am afraid to eat....can anyone share their experience with me....

So on the scale this morning was the magic 199!!! Now I know it is a first thing in the morning thing but let me tell you it felt fantastic! I went to TJMAXX and also bought a CK dress in size 14 and it is a little loose on top. Lets hope I stay there!!!

Just wondering...I was in dire need of a diet Coke today...sipping one slowly over the course of 6 hours. How bad is soda?

and I'm wondering can I do this ??? can I lose the weight after the liquid stage is over?? I'm a lil worried. :cursing:

I was probably one of the bigger complainers on the "Are you Pissed" thread a few days ago. When the question was asked, it made me think. It made me think that "Yes! I am pissed." When I tried to list the reasons I was mad, I literally had a hundred. The biggest reason (I finally figured out) was not that I had poor information, conflicting information, terrible hunger, sickness, etc. etc. The biggest reason was.........drum roll...........that the whole experience failed to meet MY EXPECTATIONS. Where did my expectation come from? Who knows. As you all know, this decision and corresponding surgery is an emotional nightmare. I think I underestimated this part of…

Hi, my name is Angela. I was banded on 10/15/09 by Dr. Jayaseelan in Dallas, Texas. It's been pretty rough these past couple of days. My question is, when will the gas pains subside and when will I feel normal? I seem to have a lot of swelling too, how long before that goes down? Did anyone lose weight before their first fill? I have lost 11 pounds but all of that is from my liquid diet, pre-op! My first fill is scheduled for 6 weeks post-op.

I've recently started adding bananas to my protein drinks because quite frankly, I was getting sick of them and getting nauseus (sp?) when I drank them. I told a friend of mine who had the Gastric Bypass and you would have thought I told her I was putting 5 lbs of plain sugar. She was just in shock that I would do such a thing! Am I doing something wrong? I told myself that it was because we had 2 different surgeries, and that's what made her react the way she did. I thought I'd ask the experts here on the board. Thank you!

Ok so I had surgery on Oct 14, 2009 everything went great. I was able to get the surgery with just 1 incision and 1 small pen hole instead of the 4-5 areas. I have no hunger and feel really restricted when it comes to feeling full only problem is whenever I eat something (I am on liquids but can have sugar free pudding or yogurt) I immediately have to go to the bathroom. I usually go for what seems like until the small amount of pudding is out of me. I am not lactose intolerant and I though there was no dumping. For example I can eat a small yogurt (3oz) and 5 mins later I can hear my stomach acting crazy. The sound is kinda traveling and immediate have to go to the bathr…

I have just been reading Catherine55's increrdible blog and have really enjoyed hearing about sharing clothing. As I continue to lose weight I have a fair amount of beautiful clothes in size 16-20 which I would love to share with some people coming into that stage. I have dresses for more formal occassions, jeans, sweaters, and workout clothes. So let me know if you are interested! They would just go to Goodwill and I love the idea of passing them on to bandsters. With the price of clothes today we can all get by with some help!

Ok so my largest incision was really sore today when I checked it, one end is really hard and I can feel a good sized lump underneath the skin, it wasn't there a few days ago. What is it? I am eleven days banded, looks good otherwise. Thanks!!! P.S. Anyone in Raleigh need a new friend.

Though I am not supposed to be eating soft food yet, I am curious as to what slider foods are exactly? Purely, so I can make sure to avoid them. I've read many threads and I am still a little confused. Is this an individual thing?

Looking for some advice and hints from people who have already been banded. I have not been banded yet. I have just gone through all the test and meet with the doctor again next week, so we will see what happens then. But I was hoping to hear from some of you who have been banded already with some hints that you know or wish you know before you where banded. (ie. Different things you did or wish you did to get yourself used to eating the why you do now with the band.) I was told by the nutritionist to get used to taking 1 bite every 5 minute for 20 minutes (which means 5 bites for my whole meal.) is that what anyone who is banded right now eats? Plea…

Ok guys..... (Ive posted this on OH) but decided to post it here as well.... The inevitable happened. Got on the scale this morning, not only am I "stalled" I guess. I am up 3 LBS! LOL How the heck does that happen?? When you work out at least 4 days a week and consume less than 700 calories per day. I must add that I was sleeved on 9-15-09 and have lost 30 lbs, well, 27 since I gained 3 lbs back. I see posts about this ALL the time but gosh, until it happens to you.....you really dont know what it feels like! Also. TOM is usually between the 12th and 15th of the month, so that could be why im retaining.........This really sucks!!!! Just venting. Help, I knew it woul…

I'm 27 days post op, and I've blown it over the last several days. I have started eating a little thicker Soups like won ton Soup, and low sodium chicken vegatable soup. I had a steamed potsticker the other day, and I'm not having any problems. Typically I Water down cartons of soups with low sodium broth. Then I put in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt to get the Protein and make the soup a little thicker, with less calories. I find that if I eat it with a soup, I slow down... I haven't had a soda, or alcohol for 6 weeks, and feel great about it. The great thing about the band, is I eat so much slower...and I'm so aware of what I eat... Over the last two weeks, I have…