POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I was wondering how many of you eat salads and do not have any problems? I am so hungy for one and had my surgery in April. Do you think that it is safe?

Hello, I am pre- not post- but I wanted to ask those of you who have already had the surgery. What do you do for exercise? After losing some weight (and after healing) is exercising easier for you? Thanks in advance, Wisteria

Hi! I have a question that I'm sure has been answered on here before---everytime I ask something it seems thats the case. Anyway, what is the difference in carbs and net carbs? Which one do we count? This is very confusing to me. Thanks in advance for any answers!

Hi all, I just wanted to post some things I've learned on my personal LBS journey and wanted to share. Just for the record, everyone is different, and uses the band differently. This is what I have found works for me. 1. Background-I had surgery 1/19/09 (my new birthday). I had issues with my 3rd fill and was throwing up, sliming, pb'ing every day-NOT HAPPY! Had a complete unfill and felt like a new person. Gained and lost 8lbs over a vacation and with the unfill. Put 2cc back in the band first of July and everything has been AWESOME...onward. I have determined that I NEVER want to fight my food, throw up, PB or slime again with my band. Having my band too t…

How do you twist or erode a band? If you have to get it removed, can you get a new one? I don't have a problem, but want to avoid it. I have had band for 1 yr and would be lost without it.

Sorry for the rambling nature of this post. It's more venting than an actual request for information. I was banded on August 21st. Tuesday I began my mushy phase, and my tummy does not appear appreciate the new kind of food. After eating, it feels (and SOUNDS!) like a time bomb is going off in my stomach. Lots of grumbling, and followed shortly after by diarrhea. I don't necessarily feel nauscious, but even now, the day after my last mushy food, my stomach still feels angry. Has this been anyone else’s experience? I may ease into the mushy phase, only having 1-2 mushy meals a day, and the 3rd liquid. I am curious as to why this happens to begin with…

Hi everyone, hope that your having a great weekend. I was wondering if anyone else has noticied a change in their period since having the band put on. I was on my period the week I had my surgery, July 24th and am starting again. Just wondering if this is a normal thing, does getting banded change your cycle??? Has anyone else had this issue as of yet?

I was banded a month ago. I've eaten out a few times since I've been back to work with co-workers. Luckily we've usually eaten at places that I can get healthy food and know how to count the carbs, fats and Proteins. But today my boss wanted to eat at a Chinese place. I don't want anyone to feel like we have to eat only in the places I feel like I can eat. I want to learn how to live as normally as I can with the band. I have to learn how to adapt to situations like this. There were only two Entrees for kids. I ate 1/2 of the sweet and sour chicken entree. I brought the rest home and gave it to a family member to eat. Obviously it was high in fat and carbs (and tasted s…

I'm 3 days post op. Thought I've been doing well. I was on liquids at first and then on to pureed foods. Today I have wretched a few times, thinking it's stuck burps? I'm winded and tired. My nurse said I need more protein and fluids. It's so hard to have protein when I feel I have a brick in my stomach. I thought I was doing everything right till today...tomorrow I'll have just liquids kinda start over...will the stuck burp feeling go away?:frown:

OK i do 45 mins on the elliptical and 25 mins on the wii active 30 day challenge seven days a week. I eat only two times a day, not alot my cal intake is around 600 to 800 a day. and i drink unsweet decaf tea and water. thats it nothing. Can anyone tell me WHY am I gaining weight instead of losing weight. I know I am not getting the right amount of protein in but surly that cant be the problem could it. I am doing everything my doctor say except for that. I called Friday and told the nurse I am having trouble getting in the protein and she told me to do the protein shots. My next appt is Sept 10th but I can always get another one before then if need. I have only had one s…

It really is working. I was very discouraged in the beginning with my slow weight loss but I kept at it and coupld not be happier went from 211....to 190's...to 180's and as of today 179!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! this has been since 3/25 of this year. just wanted to tell anyone trying to decide whether to get he band...DO IT, you will not regret it

I have been eating Chobani greek yogurt for the last week since I read about it in a post. A 6 oz container has 14 grs of protein and it tastes good. HOWEVER....tonight I tried Pomegranate flavor, tasted good, but it has actual pomegranate seeds in it!!! I didn't realize it until I swallowed and felt them going down. Not sure if they would have gotten stuck because they are not that large but when you're not expecting them you never know ! lol.

I had surgery on 9/27/09 and I have been coughing up clear phlegm since. Is this normal? It's not a noisey cough it's actually a productive one producing small ammounts of clear phlegm. But it hurts my abdomen like hell to cough like this :thumbup:

Hello all- I was just wondering if any of you have this / had this issue after being banded. Or maybe experiencing it now. I was banded on July 20th. I have no complaints, except i am completely exhausted by 3 o'clock in the afternoon. I start to shiver, my hands and feet get so cold i cant stand it and i just want to go to bed. This has now been happening for about a week. I do take my Vitamins, but spuratically. Im pretty sure i dont get my 80 grams of Protein in. Im trying to do this, but its so hard. I go to the Doctor and the Dietician both on 9/2, and i wont call them before that. So i was just wondering - do you think its just a lack of nutrients? …

My face is really broke out is it from worrying? Or change in diet? What kind of face stuff is the best like neutragena or clean and clear?

I am 6 months out of surgery. Have lost about 49 pounds since my journey began. I don't have any side effects except for a major one. hair Loss I am still losing hair and it does not look like it will stop any time soon. It is by the hand fulls all day every day. I am seeing bald spots, which is not good. I have always had extremly thick hair.. Could I be doing somethign wrong? This has me really upset.. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I want it to stop or at very least slow down. I will be shopping for wigs instead of new cloths!! lol :frown:

I am trying to see if my band is too tight for me. I had my 4th fill 08/24/09. Every time I drink liquid, I can feel it slowly going down. I have to take one sip and wait and cannot do 2-3 sips at one time. The food stuck sometimes but I think because I did not chew it well. I get full faster than before but I am still hungry after 2 hours. One time I was eating something spicey and want to a sip of Water and it stucked. Are these things mean that I am too tight? Thank you so much,

I have to get a total unfill on Wed for upcoming surgery. I will be unfilled for a few weeks. I was wondering how others may have handled being unfilled. Was it very difficult? Was the appetite huge and was there a great difference in the way you ate? Were you able to stay on your program?

This might be a silly question, but I keep reading that many people struggle with even just drinking waters their first days after their fills and I was wondering if its alright to work out the day you get your fill. I have had no problems whatsoever with drinking (or eating for that part--I am in Bandster Hell right now!) so this worries me a little. I have made significant progress in my workouts and I dont want to lose anything that I have built up because I cant work out. Please advise!

After reading a lot on this forum, I realize that I do not know as much about my band as I had thought...With that being said, what sort of questions should I ask my doctor/NP when getting my first fill (9.9.09)? I have a couple questions so far: -What size band do I have? -Do I already have some saline in the band from surgery? (I think its a no, bc they told me after surgery when I was all groggy) -How much will they put in? Any other suggestions?

I was wondering if there were anyone bandsters in their 20's? What has been your experience thus far? Have you shared the news with most people? When was your surgery date? What has been some of your goals? etc... This site is very resourceful but just looking for people around my age who have are going through this life change! Hope you hear from you all soon!!!

OK, I now have another question. Has anyone on here ever gone on a cruise with the band? I am an avid cruiser and my first cruise post band is coming up in november. I am not sure what I will do at dinner. Usually dinner can take anywhere from 1-2 hours depending on table size and your wait staff. I am a bread lover so I would usually of course start with the bread, then move on to appetizer and sometimes a salad, then the main course and last of all the dessert...Yummmm....LOL. So now with the band I have to figure out how to do this. I know I will def skip the bread. I was thinking that maybe I can sit down and order with everyone else, maybe tell the waiter to …

Hello all, I had my surgery on Tuesday, November 18th :thumbup: and everything is going well for the most part. I had a slight hernia that was repaired during my operation and I'm happy that it was resolved since I was unaware of it. I have a question for everyone. The breathing tube stretched/distended my uvula in my throat and now it is loose in my throat and causing me issues with talking and getting my fluids down. It's also in the way of getting any flym (sp?) up out of my throat since it comes up when I try to pull things up thru my throat. Has anyone else experienced this and if so, how long did it take for it to get better? My doc said it should have gotten…

Hi everyone. I was banded Aug 06 in TJ Mex by Dr. Ortiz. I've lost 33 lbs so far. I was on liquids until yesterday, which was my first day of solids. I've been following the post-op diet to the letter and yesterday I followed the solid diet to the letter, too (or so I thought?!?) But I woke up about 20 minutes ago with a weird pain in my chest. I can feel that it's the food I had for dinner, just sitting there! I know I shouldn't drink anything, that will make it worse. And I've heard sometimes walking helps. So I'll take a 3 am stroll through my neighborhood after I post. But I am freaked out! Is this normal for some people as they progress to solids to have …

My doctor's office uses the Fluoro to do fills but recently I went to another doctor closer to my house who does not use it - he said that he found that if fluoro is used the band gets filled tighter than it should - okay, my question is without seeing it on the fluoro how could they possibly know what to put in without guessing based on what you are telling them.

OK guys I have a couple of questions. First off let me say that I got banded on April 16, so it has been about 4 1/2 months and I have had 3 fills so far. I go in this wed for my next apt with my doc and to get another fill (and find out if I have a leak like he mentioned at my last apt) and I do plan to ask him questions too. So here goes... First off I "hear" some people on here talking about being tight in the morning and then loosen up as the day goes on. They say they can only drink a little Water or a Protein shake for Breakfast. Well for those that have experienced this I hope you can help. When you are this tight in the morning are you not hungry in the mo…

Hi all I know it's a personal question but I am a little lost, My Dr sent me home with a list of post op foods and general instructions but no real structure. It was an out of state thing, for financial reasons. I was banded on 08/05/09. I lost about 12lbs almost imiedatly. then I tried the mushy foods, all went well, now I can eat what ever I want. And no weight loss for a week and a half. I try to eat slow and stop when full. I was also wondering about eating and drinking at the same time, I find it hard to not have a glass of Water or tea with food. I know I need to exercize some self controll, and exercize in general. I try to eat my protien first, I get wierd head…

I have 61 more days before surgery. I also have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. In my previous weight loss attempts, I have been obsessive about working out (3 or 5 hours a day /6 or 7 days a week), weighing myself, measuring food, taking my measurements, etc. So I eventually threw out my scales and only let my doctor or trainer measure me so that I could have a life while not obsessing about the scale. I see a lot of post in which people are worried about stalls and plateaus. :thumbup1: Should I keep my practice of not weighing and just monitering weightloss by how my clothes fit?

Alright guys...was hoping for a little insight. I am 5 days post op. I have been up and running just fine since day 1 really. Had surgery in the AM and was back to work that afternoon. Havent had any pain issues really, been working in the yard and around the house everyday with no problems. Today I have something a little weird though I need opinions on. The largest of the 5 incisions is about 2 inches above my belly button and to my right about 2 inches. I have an unyielding itchy hurt to it. Is that just the port settling in (I assume thats my port incision) My belly is still tight as the gas is still going away so I havent really poked and prodded it, and am…

WHen I told my best friend about my approval she didnt seem very happy for me and later admitted she was a bit depressed b/c she thinks our friendship will change. We have both been big our whole lives and food was a big part of our friendship (Going out to eat, etc). She is married already and doesnt really go out so that isnt going to be an issue. But has this happened to anyone with a friend who is also overweight and how did they react to you losing your weight? We have been friends over 10 years and I told her I'd hope that me losing weight would not ruin that...

For the last 2 weeks I have had a sharp piercing pain in the left rib cage and my primary Dr said he doesn't know what it could be. Could it be my tubing caught up in my ribs or something? I don't mean to sound stupid, but I'm in pain and am at a loss for the reason. Thanks

I was banded a month ago. I am now experiencing the heaviest period I have had in YEARS! It is also going for longer (going on 5th day instead of my normal 2-3 day periods). I have PCOS so I am not sure if that has anything to do with it as it has and still is controlled by BC. I just wanted to see if this is due from the surgery or the weight loss? I have lost 20 pounds so far. I am 29 so menopause isn't the culprit. Not a big issue but just curious as to why the sudden change.

Had a slight fill Friday afternoon. Before it, I was eating way to much. Even under fluoro, they said my esphogus looked wider. Now, I can hardly drink anything. A couple of sips of Water and I'm sliming all day. All I had yesterday was a couple of sips of Protein. Even water had me sliming all day. I know this is not healthy. I'm not even getting enough water much less enough protein. But, I also know the tightness wears off. I think I'm going to try and wait for the tightness to wear off. At least a couple of days. Seems like I went from one extreme to the other.

Hi all, Had my first fill last week. I have a Realize band and he put 3 cc's in. My doc is pretty conservative and doesn't want to have to put cc's in only to take them out later. He even said, I may not feel a huge amount of restriction so i'll need to make sure to work had at eating right which I'm fine doing. I'm jsut curious as to have other people only had 3 cc's ont he first fill and how much more did their doctor add ont he second fill , whcih mine is anotehr 6 weeks away. Thanks

it's what I have! I just wanted to start a thread for those of us who have the same band :thumbup: Barbie

I am 5 days post operation and I am wondering when and how much or how long I should start exercising - like walking outside or on a treadmill? I am dropping weight (8 pounds so far) but want to keep the momentum going and maybe start toning.:biggrin: Any guidance would be much appreciated.

Hi...I am not banded yet. I am scheduled for September 8. On September 22 I have to start traveling again for my business. I am usually gone for 8 to 9 days at a time about once a month. I drive usually for 2 days each way and then do a convention/show for 4 days. This means being on the road for 8 hours a day when driving and then at the convention itself for lunch. I have a mini fridge to store things in during the day. I am in hotels for usually 8 nights and eating out every night. I stay in hotels that usually have a Breakfast so a hard boiled egg or yogurt or oatmeal will be available. But does anyone have suggestions for lunch and then for dinners. I think I wil…

Does anyone have any good recipes/reccomendations for puree food? I am not to good in the kitchen, more of a convenience food girl.

if cooked to a really gloppy consistancy, can it be considered a mushy?

I keep seeing posts where people say that they are experinceing PB. What does this mean?

I am postop day 3 after my band and the only pain I have is where my port is. Does everyone experience the bloating (it is so uncomfortable) and the gas is awful. What does everyone else do if this happens to them. After I eat I just feel like I ate way to much, but on the other hand I am so weak and have no energy. Any suggestions from any one sure would be great. Thanks bizy:unsure:

My port is located at the top of my rib cage. I know because I can feel it and that is where I got my fill. I was going to ask Dr why it was there, but forget, it was my first fill and I was nervious. Anyone else have one there? It is located at my top scar which is the largest and was bruise really bad.

ok...On Monday 8/24, I got my 2nd fill..and am at 5.5cc in my 11cc band. It is normal for the first few days/week to be really tight? I know that 'certain foods' just dont agree with the band, but it seems that most of everything that I have tried to eat has gotten stuck! I am eating slowling, taking small bites, chewing well and still...stuck. The only thing that has gotten down without a problem are crunchy preztels. The stuck pain sucks! and it hurts.. I am def NOT getting enough food in. I read different threads on the subject.. but dont know for me personally.. is the food getting stuck bc of the type of food it is? is it normal to be tighter the first week? Sh…

:sad:I have a question that I need help with & it has been so discouraging and I don't know what to do. I got my band in July 29, 2008 (one year ago) and it has been very frustating since the beginning. I received my band and had to had to wait until September to get my first fill of 1ml. And, they did not want to fill it to start with because I would not go to counseling. I went back 6weeks later and could only get 1ml. Then I had a 1ml fill until I got to 5ml and then it had to be .5ml every 4-6weeks. OK, then in July I had finally reached 8ml and in August I went to get a fill and it was back down to 7ml which had happened the month before. I ask about the ba…

I just got my band, and my doctor put one of the incisions just under my belly button to hide it. But the other three are pretty noticeable. I was just wondering if anyone has found any good scar creams or ointments? I'm pale and I scar pretty easily.

I'm getting kinda frustrated with the restrictions what we can/can't eat... When can we introduce fruits and veggies? :biggrin:

Hi everyone! Yes, I have finally made it over the hurdel, I am in 190's. I feel so proud and so does my DH! It has been years since I have been below the 200lb mark. I have lost 45lbs since Jan. 16, 2009. I have gone down 4 pants/dress sizes and have had so many compliments from family and friends. I attended a wedding last weekend and had gone and had my hair highlighted and walked up to one of my cousins who didn't even know who I was!!! She acted kind of mad at me for changing looks, oh well, I am soooooooo HAPPY, way to go Lap Band what a wonderful tool you are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:wink2:

Most of you know I was sick all week and didn't have much of an appetite but I tried eating but couldn't get alot down before I felt nauseated. I got some sugar free Popsicles down and half of yogurt and protein shakes and water. So I was supposed to start solid food yesturday but should I just stick to mushies for the week? I'm also kind of scared to start solids anyways, I don't wanna get sick again plus school is starting soon

Hello All, I am soooooooo excited...today for the first time I have reached "onederland":biggrin::wink2: It took a while but I am FINALLY there..it is such a great feeling...I thought I would never see a 1 as the first number on the scale again..I actually dont hate the scale anymore..this surgery was definetley worth all it comes with...it is a hard road but as long as you are committed & determined you can succeed:smile:

So, band was left empty after surgery on June 9. July 27, first fill 4.25cc. Was great for a week, then all hunger was back in full force, I would eat, mostly protein, and 1-2 hours later hungry again. August 28, 2nd fill 2.5cc, which now puts me at 6.75cc in a 10cc band. Yahoo.. OMG went to IKEA today, ordered the Kids Swedish Meatballs. It comes with 5 1 inch meatballs, mashed potatoes and applesauce. I ate 4 of the meatballs, just dabbed in the applesauce for juiciness and flavoring. Ate 2 little bites of the mashed potatoes, and I was STUFFED. Here it is now 9 hours later, and I am still full. I have been sipping my protein liquids all day, bullet with water and c…