POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hi, I was banded March 18,2009. Almost 4 weeks have passed and I am still having pain at my port site. I only have this pain when I am sitting or when I rise up from sitting. This is when I feel the most pain at the port site. It appear to be getting worse, should I be worried? Is this normal? Is there any one out there who has experienced this discomfort also? Will it go away? :thumbup:

I just got to thinking about if I was to get the flu, will throwing up be more of a problem with my band? Thanks in advance. Kathy

I am 9 months out andmy band has slipped, which mean another surgery to repair it. Anyone one out there go through tis already? my doctor said that this is her first one that didnt fix itself with an unfill that she has had and she has only had one other.

My mom is taking care of me right now before I have to go back to school tomorrow. She has to cook for me but also cook for my dad and brother at the same time. So she has been cooking two diff meals. Well tonight she cooked me a specail treat. Crock Pot- meat, carrots, potatoes, Onions, mushrooms and cream of mushroom Soup. She took the carrots potatos and mushrooms and put them in the blender. It was FANTASTIC. Tasted like I was eating mashed potatoes and gravy. I got full really quickly and it felts sssooo good to eat that instead of a slimfast!

I had my surgery on December 16th - have only had two fills since, the most recent of which was almost 1 month ago. During that fill - my doctor withdrew all saline and there was only 1/2 cc as opposed to the 3 cc's he'd injected 2 months before that. His comment, "we may need to swap out your port - we'll see on the next visit" (scheduled for Friday). Yesterday - I ate a piece of chicken and it got stuck. Everything came up and now I'm not even able to keep down Water. I have a call into my doctor but am wondering if anyone else has had this happen?

Has anyone had Dr. Michael Feiz perform there Lap Band? Dr. Feiz is the best doctor I have ever met. He is very pleasant and approachable. He explained the Lap-Band procedure and worked diligently for my Insurance approval and surgery date. He stayed in contact with me and has always been reachable on the phone to answer my questions. Dr. Feiz preformed my Lap-Band surgery 12/22/08. I recommend him to anyone who is seriously considering weight loss surgery

What are the actual dangers of drinking too fast? Is it just that it can make you sick, or can it actually stretch your pouch? I only ask because I seem to have a real problem stretching out my Protein Shakes to the 60 minutes my doctor says. In fact, 15-20 minutes is about the longest I can stretch an 8oz beverage out. So am I in danger of stretching my pouch, or is this just a "it can make you sick" situation? Thanks.

I was banded in dominican republic on 08/11/2009. I have already returned to the united states, and my doctor gave me a document explaining the whole procedure and a detailed information about my surgery, fill and everything needed in order i can find a doctor in northern new jersey to follow up with my post-care, can anyone let me know if there is any site/doctor/place, i can visit to obtain my after surgery care here in the united states, especifically in an area of passaic county, new jersey. Any suggestions and help will be highly appreciate, i am really in need of this information urgently. Thanks

I'm having surgery with him in a week. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with him? What was your experience? Would you suggest him? How did the procedure go?

I am a side and stomach sleeper. I am having surgery on the 23rd. I was wondering how long it too before you were able to go back on your side or stomach? Did this come into play with port placement? Thanks

Prior to surgery, I always had such a dry mouth. Felt like cotton was in it. I'm pretty sure it was my meds and I still take all of them. Not far enough along to drop some yet. Anyway, I have noticed that I seem to have more salvia (sp?)in mouth and no more dry cotton mouth. Is this normal? Don't get me wrong, I like not having the dry mouth but don't like the salvia all the time either. I seem to be spitting a lot.:thumbup: BTW: Off subject..is there a spell check on this forum?

I'm so angry with myself. I'm 10 days post-op and did great with my pre-op liquid only diet all 3 weeks of it (never cheated) but post-op I've had 2 bites of meat on 3 seperate ocasions. I just feel horrible that I did it. Especially liquids only post-op is crucial. Anyone do the same anything bad happen?

I was banded on 9/2 in Spokane Washington! Feeling pretty good right now. I am curious about how long to wait before enjoying a glass of wine.

I was just wondering if anyone else out there have these good days and bad days like I do. There are days when I can eat and it not bother me meaning: I'm not to tight. Then there are days (like today) I can't eat anything without it coming back up (due to me being to tight). So far today, all I have been able to eat and keep down is ice cream and drinks. If anyone else has this problem, please let me know what you do when you have your to tight days.

I am 8 days out from my lap band surgery and am a little freaked out! The larger incision (where the band is inserted) has a lump under the skin about the length of the incision. It feels deep not just superficial. At first my entire tummy was a little hard to the touch but this is staying hard to the touch. All of the incisions are healing well, but this feels wrong. Also there is some light numbness underneath the incision but not above it? This is my first surgery of any kind so I am not sure what to expect. Any ideas?

when i had my surgery on 7/22/09.my band was filled at that time with 3 cc's.i ended up at the dr's office that same night to get fluid removed from my band because i was in so much pain and getting so sick to the point of dry heaving.ever since then i still have trouble with food.such as eating when i am suppose to and some things getting stuck and i am nauseous a lot.so when i went for my appt on 9/4/09 he filled my band with 2 cc's.now in the mornings i am having trouble eating anything.i just don't have an appetite.as the day goes on it gets a little better,but he wants me to eat every 3 hrs and i just can't do it.i also still can't tolerate the protein shakes.any sug…

:biggrin: OK so the doctor said wait three weeks for sex- I did exactly that 3 weeks and 1 day actually. Today I feel so horrible- my stomach hurts really bad around the port sight and I think I may have overused my muscles??? Has anyone else experienced this?

Hey Folks, The good news is I was banded on 8/27. I started really trying hard to lose as of 8/1, followed a week long preop liquid diet. I started on 8/1 at 312lbs or so. On my surgery day I was 295, which was nice. Today I'm 285, which is also nice, but I feel like I lost weight a few days post op, and I havent lost since. I'm being realistic, please dont get me wrong. I'm down 10lbs, 1 week post op, and I'll take that. This is a marathon, not a 100 yard dash.....My head is ok in that respect. I'm a little confused about my post op diet though. I saw a recommended nutritionist pre op and she was great in laying out the pre an post op plans. I felt great a…

I am new to the site and have my initial consulation on 9/11/09. I am going to Jamaica on November 12 and is debating the actual date for my surgery. One part of me wants to get it done as soon as my insurance approves it and the other is thinking of what retrictions I may have when in Jamaica. If done right, i would be on solid foods by the time of my trip. And since I dont drink, the ability to not drink as much is not an issue. If you have had experience in traveling out of the country with lap band, did it ruin your experience?

Not sure if this has happened to anyone -- I believe that there is something stuck in pouch but not in band -- it keeps trying to go down but it won't -- it won't come up either. Not sliming either. Not sure what to do -- it isn't painful but it is uncomfortable. Not hungry either (a plus) Thanks

okay i am 3 days out of surgery from fixing my band that slipped.. so i am on liquids again for 3 weeks... And i am craving food! Maybe its because my family is bbqing... Ahh okay i am posting this to help me not focus on my huner...lol

What is that? I might have it and my band might need to be stretched! How do they do it? By surgery? Ahh I'm curious as to what it is

WooHoo - I just got my first fill on Tuesday and I'm excited! I don't know if I have restriction yet - I guess I'm not absolutely sure what it is supposed to "feel" like. But, a few days ago, I did start to feel something odd and I don't know if it's a band thing (or if it has something to do with the nasty cold I'm getting over). I feel like I have something sitting at the back of my throat all the time. It doesn't hurt, and it doesn't feel like something is stuck, it's just....there. It seems to be more noticable after I eat, so I'm not sure if it has to do with the band or not. So, how did you all know when/if you needed another fill? They put 3.5 cc in my R…

I had surgery 6/3/09. I'd been told about possible hair loss, but this is getting ridiculous. My hair has been falling out since the beginning of august. I have to clean my hair brush out everyday. I starting to know how Chemo patients feel. Ugh! am I going to go completely bald? I've already got really thin spots at my hair line. I'm taking 2 Flinstones complete daily, a b-complex Vitamin and about 6000 of Biotin. Is there anything else I can do? Any foods good for the hair? When did the hair loss stop for those of you ahead of me in this process? Lisa start weight 293 - May 3, 2009 day of surgery 276 -June 3, 2009 today 233- Sept 6 2009

Hello all... I am posting because I am very discouraged. I am 4 weeks post op and have only lost about 10lbs. I know this is good for 4 weeks but I am hungry all the time! Before being banded I would eat 2 BIG meals a day... no snacking or anything. Well, now I am eating too many times a day, yes they are smaller meals but I am eating so often that I can't lose weight. My first fill is not until Sept. 28, and it's stressing me out. I know it takes time and after the first fill I should eating less, but I am so upset. I feel like this is just another "failure" at weight loss. I know, how dumb am I? I KNOW IT'S GOING TO WORK IN THE LONG RUN, but why do I doubt it? I keep ha…

ANYONE FROM GEORGIA?

I know I had a cold/flu 'coming on' a day or two before my surgery...I could just feel it.. I had my band put on Wednesday, here it is Friday evening and I feel great, and up and about, up and down stairs, breathing deep, etc. I am on Hydrocodone which has acetameniphen (sp?) but even with that, I am running a fever of about 99.8 to 100.1 My discharge papers say to call with anything over 101, which is hasn't hit...but I'm wondering if I should be concerned? The only incision that is giving me a little trouble is the port site...still somewhat tender, and a little red around it, but absolutely no seapage/draining etc... What do you all think?

I've only taken off about 50 pounds, but I had gained them so quickly that I now have more excess skin than I know what to do with. Especially the lower belly - i HATE the way it looks in jeans if I don't wear a spanx or something. I've been yo-yo fat all my life, and I've never had this skin hanging problem before. Of course, i'm not getting any younger, so I'm sure that has a lot to do with it also. Has anyone had surgery before goal, just because you couldn't stand it? How about getting the surgery twice? I'm sure the recovery is excruciating, so I can't say I'd want to do this, but I'm wondering if anyone out there has.

Hello, I have a question that I am hoping some can help with. I was banded on 8/20 and I am ready to go back to exercising. Are there any restrictions that would not allow me too. Also, I am still on a full liquid diet in which I upgrade to softs next week. Any advise. Please advise.

I know that this is a crazy question because every BODY is different, but I am thinking towards the future and buying something to fit into by Christmas. So, how much did you weigh when you were wearing an 18? Or a 16, 14 etc.... I am being banded on Sept 21 at Central DuPage Hospital by Dr Vallina and am so excited over what is to come!

i am on liquids for a month i just wanted to see how long everyone else did liquids. i am also on nexium for 6 months.

Hi all I am 9 days post-op and I bent down to grab something when I got up I felt something weird @ my incesion I actually felt my port. Is this normal this soon? It dosent hurt just feels strange,I'm just hoping I didn't do something to it.

We like to holiday around Europe a lot, and I usually get away on Business to the Far East once or twice a year. I normally declare a pre-existing heart condition and pay a premium for my travel insurance. What is the situation with a band? Do you have to declare it as a pre-existing “condition” in case of any emergency while away that is related to the band, and that would require a claim on the insurance?

It's hard to believe, but I made it through surgery and I am now home recuperating. It was hard in many ways, but I was so proud of myself that I did it. I am very sore, but also very happy that it is all done. Just wanted to let everyone know! I just got home from the hospital at about 12:30, and I will write more tomorrow.

Well, I am happy to say I made it safely to the land of bandsters! I am doing well, port site is the only thing really giving me a lot of hurt. I did have to stay two nights in the hospital instead of one, but only because I was too nauseated to keep any liquid in me. But today I feel a lot better than I expected to feel. I'm looking forward to talking to y'all and start dropping the weight!

We have constipation! Just about 3 weeks out and feeling good....but good LORD....i need some tips to get things moving and keep them moving!

Hi, Im 3 days post op, lapband. My stomach feels as though a rolling pin is being pushed on it. Has anyone experienced this? Any suggestions on how to avoid. Its slightly painful and very uncomfortable. It happens mostly when I try to walk or reach for something.

I had my lap band placed Dec18,2008 and so far have lost 60 pounds and 39.5 inches. Just 6 pounds from goal but have a maybe silly question. I have started noticing that when I run or move in a certain way I have pain in the area where my port is. When I run sometimes I have to put my left hand on the area and place a little firm pressure to get the pain to stop. The pain is not bad just feels like a deep bruise or like something is pulling. Has anyone else had this experience? or am I just weird? Would appreciate some feedback so that I can continue to keep up the exercise:) thanks!

I went in for my fill on Monday morning and was taken from 4cc to 5.5cc's (I have the 14cc band). I was fine the first 2 days eating soup and mushy stuff. On the 3rd day I attempted to eat scrambled eggs and had throw them up. I thought it may have been the toast I was trying to eat with it, so I tried the eggs alone the next day only to have the same result. Long story short, I kept throwing things up over the next few days. Today I finally called the surgeons office and they said to come right in. When I got there I was weighed and I lost 7 lbs in 5 days. They unfilled me back to 4 again. Now I'm slightly afraid about getting filled again. Am I going to have th…

Hi -- I was banded on Aug 17 and have lost 8lbs so far. Not sure if that's good, average or great. Anyway, I'm now on mushies, purees, etc. and my nutrionist wants me to up my Protein to 60 - 75 grams daily. How on earth do I get that much protein without overeating? I don't want to gain before my first fill (scheduled for Oct. 6). And my nutrionist doesn't want me using the bullet shots of protein. Any ideas?

I haven't had a fill yet as its 4 weeks after my op, I started off with 2ml which was put in when I had the op. but I can eat a meal with ease, I don't get full and a few nights I have lost my will power and binged. I know it takes time until your fill is correct but surely I would still be struggling to eat big meals. I am really worried as I think maybe my band has slipped......Can anyone relate to this???

I just wanted to let those who just had surgery that I am three weeks post and feeling really good. It took a while but my stamina, stomach woes, and soreness has improved dramatically. Banded Aug. 13th and eating soft food.:smile2:

I was wondering if the doc will give me my first fill even though I have lost 21 lbs in 5 weeks? I go next week for my fill. I do have some restriction but not like I should. I have been waiting 6 weeks for this and I will be mad if he says no. If I can lose 21 lbs in 5 weeks with barely no restriction, I can't wait till I get full restriction..... Jennifer

Hi all, I have a question for those who have had fills under fluoro. I was banded 07/07 and now have 3.5 cc in my Realize band. My doctor is aggressive with fills thankfully, but the nurse practitioner only put .5 cc in the last time, because it was a "blind" fill. So, she told me that the next one I should have done under fluoro so they can be a bit more aggressive with the fill, as they want their patients in the green zone as soon as possible. Anyway, my question is, about how many fills under fluoro did you have before you got restriction? Also, how much did they inject while they had you under fluoro? Thank you bunches! )

Had my surgery about 6 days ago. I have been living off of four things. Protein powder shakes, SlimFasts, chicken broth, and Water. I was told to wait 3 weeks after surgery to switch to mushies BUT I AM GOING TO EITHER GO MAD OR EAT THE CAT if I can't have something other then what I've been eating (er, drinking). What did you eat 1-2 weeks post-op? How long did you wait to switch to things like apple sauce and yogurt, and did it hurt when you did? Help please, I love my cat :smile2:

I had my surgery this past Monday. I did not have any trouble, and feel really good. I have walked a mile or so every day and just went back to work today. My problem is this liquid diet. I think I am going to be sick if I have to drink another shake. My doctor had me doing three a day with two small meals during the two weeks before my surgery. I didn't love them then, but they were okay. The two small meals were a few ounces of lean mean and two cups of salad with no dressing, so it was okay that I had the shakes at other times. Now that the surgery is over and I am on the 5th day of recovery, just the thought of a shake is gross. I think it is because th…

Please!! I feel so thirsty all the time. I drink plenty of liquids, I eat protein and veggies, my mouth always feels hot and dry. I'm actually overfull, I cant drink not another thing. Thank you.

Last Friday, I had a fill, before it I was hungry all the time and could eat way to much. After the .08 fill I was to tight. I could hardly drink anything. I was sliming all day and evening long from liquids. So, after the weekend, first thing Monday morning I went ot the doctor's office and got a slight unfill. I'm at about 6.5 cc total in a 10 cc band. The first couple of days, I thought I was close to the my sweet spot. Today, I've been eating way to much. I feel like I'm starving!! What's wrong with me?????

On Monday 8/31 I start the mushy stage. My Dr. wants me to weigh my food and just have the 3-4oz. meals a day. Well I am starting to feel hungry and I don't get my first fill till 9/17. How am I going to do this? Help- any suggestions.:wub:

I got banded today. Was doing really great, I thought--although I was definitely sore I was having no trouble walking (took a walk around the block even) and was having occasional gas pains that went to my left 'front' shoulder as opposed to my back. Then, about 9-10 hours after the surgery, I hit a wall. Significant pain around belly button. Difficulty moving at all. Is it normal for pain to get worse? Did they give me something to numb it and that has worn off? I have been taking the pain meds every 4 hours. Did I do too much? Also--was anyone else out there hungry immediately after surgery? I was hungry in recovery and have had no trouble drinking quickly today.…