POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I would like to start by saying my husband is very supportive now, but when I found out about lap band 3 years ago he didn't think I should get it, he said I could lose the weight on my own, and that he thought I was taking the easy road, well now he see's how much I went through after surgery and how I still struggle to eat right, it's not a magic surgery, I have to change my life, I still have some day's when I feel like I'm never gonna get to my goal, and I need a support system..

I am instructed by my doc to be on full liquids/puree for 2 weeks post surgery. I had some liquified potato Soup a while ago. It was probably the consistency of a milk shake. I ate probably 1/2 a cup of it and my stomach started feeling weird and felt like it was "churning." I know that the liquid diet is supposed to keep your stomach from churning. I wonder what I did wrong?? Now I am worried about my band. Was the soup too thick? Someone said on here that liquid means, "liquid at room temperature." Is that so? B/c I'm sure that my potato soup is more of a baby food consistency at room temp. Anyway, anyone have any thoughts?

I am 5 days post op and my discharge instructions were to get 64 oz if hydrating liqueds in a day, but I just can't do it. I am getting probably 45 oz including all liqueds. My stomoch just feels too full and I have to sip slowly. I feel great otherwise. Has anyone else experienced this? I don't feel dehydrated or anything but I sure don't want to get that way. I am trying to decide whether to call my surgeon? I know it is normal to have restriction even without a fill, but should I be able to get in more fluids than this?

that this will get better. I had my surgery on Friday and the gas pains are really tough. I'm walking, I'm taking deep breaths but neither of those seems to have made much of a dent in actually getting rid of the pain. I just sent hubby out for some gas-x strips so hopefully that will help. It just feels like I have a giant air bubble in my chest and it hurts! I'm also starting to get a headache. The good news is I have zero interest in food. I can sip fluids, but that's it and I'm fine with that now. I just really need to hear that this all sounds typical and it will pass soon. Thanks!

I am almost two weeks post op and just feeling a bit discouraged today. Since surgery, I have always had this full satisfied feeling after having the alotted small portion of food. Yesterday and today, I feel like the person I was before surgery. I feel like I could eat anything and still want more. I am behaving and eating the normal portions but just dont have the satisfaction and am so scared I am going to lose it and just eat and eat and eat! I know the band is just a tool and my self control is the most important step to becoming a healthier me. I guess what i am wonder is once i go in for my first fill will I go back to that tight and full feeling after …

Hey I have been post-op since Aug. 2007. At first everything super, I lost 100lbs in 9 months. By 1 year mark I was down 20 more lbs. My grand total loss was 126lbs in 14 months. Then things changed. Basically the problem is I have saline leaking or that's what they think so far.I have re-gained 30lbs so far since this Jan. I have had a barium swallow and the result from that showed no slip but no restriction. I should have more saline than ever. I am going this next wk for a test with dye to see if indeed a leak exist. I would like to know if anyone else has had this problem with a vanguard band?

So I was banded two weeks ago, and scheduled for my first fill in 2 weeks. I healing well and feeling amazing. I was just wondering if most of you were hungry prior to your first fill? I don:t feel hungry at all. i wish it would stay this way!

please give me some advice. I had lap band on march 19th, and I felt back to normal in 2 to 3 weeks, but now all of a sudden my port has been hurting me every time I bend over, is that normal?

Hello Fello Lap Banders!!!! Okay I have not been on this site, in what seems like forever. I was banded back on Aug 8th, 2008 and I am coming up on my one year anniversy. As that date is approaching, I can't help but be disapointed in myself. The day I was banded I weighed 314 pounds. As of today I weigh 263 pounds. I am taking responsiblity because I am NOT eating right at all. I don't know if anyone is having as much trouble as I am with staying away from the bad foods. Let me say this, I know that the band is only a tool and we must take account for what we put in our bodies. I am fully aware of this and I totally agree. But here is the thing, after going through t…

Can you offer some help? I don't think I need a fill, I already vomit fairly often. I won't tell my md this because I am afraid they will take the fill out. Has anyone tried a specific diet that has agreed nicely with this surgery? I already exercise enough so that's not an issue. It seems sometimes I can non stop without an issue, and other times it's 3 bites and it's all coming up. I had my surgery last October and haven't had success. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks.

I was just banded on July 29th and was sent home on July 30th. Now that I am home I am on protein shakes, protein tomato soup, protein jello, and a kool aid type protien dring. The problem that I am having is that I feel like something is stuck in my throat and ever so offten I get a wierd pain the runs from my stomach to my chest. I am not able to drink alot nor even to drink all the drinks that I am supposed to nor the 64 oz of water. Is this normal or should I be concerned?

I'm being banded in 1.5 weeks and just joined this forum. But my dad, who was banded approx 2 years ago started having severe left shoulder pain at the anticipation of eating and after eating. Anybody ever heard of this?

I have had my band for over a year and was just told i have a hiatal hernia above the band and pouching above the band. Has anyone ever seen anything like this

it's normal to feel excruciating, burning pain if you sneeze when it hasn't even been a week after surgery, right? for me, it's a burning, acute pain in the muscle to the left of my belly button (incisions are a few inches above the painful area) i keep trying to make myself not sneeze if i feel one coming on because it hurts so much. but sometimes i can't and all i can do is brace myself for the pain. it sucks so badly.

My doc said that I was healing beautifuly....Im amazed cause I thought my scarrs would look horrible...what did the doc tell u guys about your scarrs?

I haven't ate anything since 8 this morning yesturday I had some sorbet a litle bit of beef broth some water my pain last night sucked, felt like I was going to puke after I took a pain med then the nurse gave me some med for vomitting. Under my insisions it hurts and ubove where my chest is also hurts. I haven't went #2 since Thursday night. The bigger incision hurts the most when I move or get up, I hope the gas will pass really soon, I'd say my pain is a 5. When will the pain go away, when did it go for you? And since today is just day one, will it be ok to take a stool softener?

My sister came over to help me mesure today. I have to say I was amazed that I am down 8 1/4 inches in 2 weeks! That is sure a great feeling! Oh and to get on a normal scale and weigh myself what a wonderful feeling!

I am 4 1/2 weeks post op, I take a birth control pill everyday...I haven't missed one since my surgery. Am I protected from pregnancy? Is there something in the medicine they give us at the hospital that could cancel out my birth control? Thank You,

I am brand new here and am excited to have found a forum like this! I had surgery 7/30/09 (2 days ago) and have yet to lose weight! In fact, I have gained 1 1/2 pounds if I take the hospital's scale on the day of pre-op and compare it to my scale at home just now. Should I be concerned or am I way too impatient? BTW the surgery went great and I am not in ANY pain (it should be noted however I was sent home with a pain pump for the incisions).

Ok, here we go on with my band saga -Guys, I am getting really tired of this and just want to let you all know that I couldn't have gotten through this so far with out all of you! I called the nurse again, 9 days post op and cannot drink hardly anything, and she said that I DO have some, a little, FILL. I did not know that! So, this is one reason why it is so hard for me to drink, but the problem still remains. She said that I could either come in to take some out, and that will be painful, or I can wait until I go in for my post op on wed. of next week. (as long as I do not dehydrate) I am walking a thin line here. I am choosing to wait until wed., and Not do anything,…

We've all been had our weight loss surgery the obvious health reasons. and a lot of us probably kicked the idea around for a lot of years. but at what moment or event did you decide. last august was the 9th anniversary of my mom's death. god i cant believe tuesday will be 10 years since shes been gone. my mother spent her life battling weight loss and depression . she was 52 when she died and she was only 5 ft tall and well over 350lbs. my mother was an amazing person, smart , beautiful, kind. . she hated being heavy, the staring of strangers, not being able to walk more than a few feet at a time. she had rheumatoid arthritis and was in constant pain. but in the end t…

I'll be three weeks post-op on Monday and I decided to go shopping today. I'm going on a business trip next week to Washington, DC and most of my work clothes are starting to look a little sloppy since I've lost a total of about 50 lbs since my first consultation with my surgeon. Anyways, today was the first time in over 10 years that I've shopped somewhere other than Lane Bryant! Don't get me wrong, I really like their store, and I'm still wearing plus sizes so I'm sure I'll still shop there - but it was such a thrill to go into a "regular" store! My next goal - fly on a plane without requesting a seat belt extender!!

My followup is in the morning at 710am so Ill tell my dr as well but I have been up the last hour throwing up spit and burping. I was feeling nauseous so I tried to break up a pill I was given by dr and drank a part w/ some water. Thats when the "fun" began. I cant fall back asleep b/c every 15 minutes I am having to throw up. All that is coming up is spit...Im feeling like crap! I did eat some baked salmon earlier this evening and ate too big a bite and felt like I was going to throw up but didnt..that was at 630pm........I really hope I havent caused my band to slip. I want to cry right now:( :laugh:

Hey guys! I was banded on the 17th, and have since graduated to the mushies food stage. I'm frustrated because although I can eat, I'm still not full. I can eat a cup to a cup and a half (or more:eek:) and I'm only two weeks out. I'm scared I'm going to slip or something. I guess I'm in bandster hell. I saw the photos of my band, and apparently, there was A LOT of space between my stomach and the band. What are some low cal mushies suggestions? I'm frustrated because I feel like I'm over indulging in calories, but I'm not full.

title says it all thanks in advance!

I weighed 200# and lost 30# before surgery (which took 7 months to get). I had a lap band 10 days ago and lost 4# in the first four days. I did not receive a fill in surgery but I am eating just what I am supposed to be eating. I couldn't cheat if I wanted to. I am not eating any more than 500 calories per day and I have not lost anything since the first four days. Is it just my metabolism has slowed or does it take a while to start dropping pounds? Any help you can give me will be appreciated. Thank you.

We get take out probably once a week. Usually Friday nights. What are some good options at the pizza joint, or chinese? If my band will not tolerate anything from either place I'll figure something out...the trade off will be worth it....but just curious what the experienced banders do?

How long does the need for so much sleep last? I have never needed more than 5 hours of sleep in years; and since the surgery (6/12) I seem to need at least 8 hours - sometimes more. I went to bed last night at 10 and had my alarm set for 5:30 to get up and exercise -- there was no way - it was all I could do to hit the snooze button, let alone get up and start exercising! I HATE being so tired all the time and having no energy -- it's so unlike me-- I used to be go go go and now I have no energy for anything and have to push myself to do everything. Anyone have any idea how much longer I'm going to feel this way? :lol0::sleep0::yawn:

Well the time is finally here... I have been on LBT since the very beginning.. I want to thank everyone for their support and kind words. Tomorrow is my big day and I couldn't be more excited. I have to stay overnight and I am having a hiatel hernia repaired at the same time but as soon as I get home I will let everyone know how I am doing!!! Jennifer

THE PLOT:I had my surgery on the 28th. I am a big girl with a BMI of 63. I am just moving into eating some mushy stuff. Here is where I need help. I am feeling hungry and then I feel like I should eat and my hubbie (who is a "not following the rules" band holder) says I can't have this or that . Then I get to feeling like maybe I can't do this. Maybe I am destined to be a big eater forever. Bt my weight truly interferes with my career path and ability to get around. Just need a word from someone. :frown::frown::frown::frown::sad::frown::crying::frown::crying::frown::crying::frown::crying::frown::crying::frown::crying::frown::crying::frown:

I am 3 1/2 months post surgery and have so far lost about 35 lbs total, had 3 fills so far. This past month my hair has really started to fall out (and too bad it's not the grays falling out lol). Not so bad that I have a bald spot, but by the end of a shower I do have a handful of hair. I think I am getting enough Protein and calories. M weight loss has slowed, so I don't think lack of calories is the problem. I probably eat too much at this point and trying to figure out how much I can eat and still lose weight. I surely haven't hit my sweet spot with the fills yet. I take my Vitamins as directed. I haven't been using Protein shakes and just trying to get …

I was banded on July 28th and over all everything seems to have gone well (besides my mystery bruises) My ownly problem is I am still in a lot of pain. At the hospital they gave me some thing you suck in your breath so you keep your lungs clear. I am still waking up hurting REALLY bad and have been on liquid Vicodin. The problem is I am always feeling like a throb in my chest. I think it is related to the band. I also feel like I have like a stitch in the side of my chest. When I breath in I feel like I have ran a mile, and a little breathless.. Is this normal? I will see my doc on Monday so I am hoping if it still hurts I can put it off until then. I am not running…

Hello everyone, I do hope this finds all of you doing well today. I just wanted to touch base on a topic that seems to bother a lot of folks on this forum. This comment is only a personal observation. "THE SCALE" Stay off of it! There are so many of you who seem to jump on this evil thing every single day, wrong my friends. I personally never even owned a scale till the later part of last yr. The scale seems to give a very bad taste to some who do not see fast results so if you do not see what you want on this thing has to show you then "WHY" do you feel the need to step on it each and every day? This is crazy to put yourself in a self inflicted, self induced …

Hi I had my first fill alittle over a week ago they put 2 cc in to bring my total to 4 cc I've put on a few pounds back on since then. The nutriitionist told me to not go on or bother with the scale does anyone know why she may have said this?

It has been two months since my last fill. Let me first say that it has been over a year since I was banded, I am at 8.5 in a 14 cc band, I have never gotten stuck, PB'd or vomitted. I am slower than most on the weight loss, I believe due to my fear of being too tight and doing one of the forementioned acts. That being said, the reason why it has been two months since my last fill is because since my last fill I can feel food going thru my band when I eat. I feel this at every meal. The feeling makes me a little scared to get another fill, but I am not getting full and feel that I am eating too much. I am fluctuating down 2 pounds then back to where I was when I g…

Hey everyone! It's been awhile since I've posted anything but have a question about warm liquids. I have major restriction in the morning and eating anything solid would be a daunting task so I just have a Protein shake in the morning and maybe something like some pudding. I do notice that a warm liquid like coffee seems to ease my restriction and make it a little easier to eat. Does anyone else have that feeling? Also, I am at my limit regarding lap band fills due to a recent appointment with my doctor. He added .5cc's and when I swallowed barium under fluro, nothing went down and actually started coming back up. He took out .25cc's and my body allowed the liquid to …

I took a bite of ground beef and said "heaven" lol...it was that good! I missed food! I dont even like mashed potatoes but right now its my fav! Im eating a small, I mean small amount of ground beef and mashed potatoes and it took me 20 min to eat it...I like chewin my foods now..chewing helps me taste the food now...im jus soo happy

Hi, Dr. David Dyslin was recommended to me by my regular doc. Was wondering if anyone else in the Dallas/Ft.Worth area used him and what your experience was with him as your doc. Thanks.

Does anyone know the reason why you cant drink fizzy pop, i had a mouthfull of pop today and i was fine. Does it cause a problem with the band? Gillian:bored:

:blush:How do you know if you have a good restiction after your fill? I had a fill a couple of weeks ago and my thoat felt like it had something stuck in it all the time i went to the hospital for a e-ray to see if the band was okay, I told them about my throat and they said they think my band had kink in it. they emptied my band then filled it back up with 5 mill I still have something in the back of my throat and also a horrible tast in my mouth, do you think this will go away in few days. I was not told by my surgen that i had to have fluids yesterday and and i have been exersising today could this also have caursed the problem in my throat again?> any help wou…

What kind of scars should I expect?

Anyone else have this problem? I just can not seem to get rid of it no matter what I do. Help Michele

Ok so I had the band on the 27th, I know not too long ago. Tonight was the first time I have felt deprived. I am bored with what I can eat. Mind you I can have my shakes, blenderized bean soups, popsicles, and yogurt. So I know part of the reason I am feeling deprived is because my family is eatting pizza. So I need something to look forward to. When can I eat pizza again??? Oh and the other thing I finding it very hard to keep my liquids seperate from my soup which is basically a liquid. Since I have no restriction yet I can eat basically everything without stopping. I of course am not but it feels like I can. And I am eatting the recommended calories. I need …

I can't figure out what some of the things I feel mean. Yesterday, I tried to eat a chicken breast. About half way through, I get a horrible tight feeling in the middle of my chest, just below the bra line. Is that what full feels like? Or am I stuck? I've never had a PB or thrown up. This tight feeling makes me either stand up or lay flat till it goes away. I'm sure if I eat another bite at this point, there would be consequences. I just don't know how to interpret the feeling. It seems to be only certain foods that cause it - buns (hamburger or hot dog), chicken and ham so far. Maybe I'm eating too fast? I just don't know what to do about it. I hope someone can int…

I have fibromyalgia, I can no longer take the anti-inflammatory, I was taking. I am wondering if anyone else out there has it and which medications are you allowed to take now. Thanks!

I am back home after my sleeve on Tuesday. No major problems, however, I really want this gas out of my tumm! Any suggestions? ~jill

I can't believe this band is even inside me.....I can't feel a thing and I have such minimal discomfort I hardly believe they did the surgery. Just wanted to join in on the boards and find out how other's people first day experiences are.:smile:

So I'm 10 days post-surgery. Doctor told me to start mushies. I started mushies. Had a little can of tuna yesterday, two eggs with cheese last night, five spoons of cream of wheat this morning. egg salad at lunch. I am starving, perhaps for the first time in my life. Fill on August 18. Any recommendations on how to distract myself from the hunger? I thought after nearly four weeks of a liquid diet my appetite would have been nil in any case, and it must be far smaller than it was, but gee.

I met with the pharmacist recently and feel blown away with all the crushing of pills that I will need to do post op. Some of my current pills are extended release and I will have to go back to taking several a day instead of the one extended release. This means crushing pills while away from home (at work, on travel etc). All the food restrictions and rules about pills and not doing this or that is starting to get to me. How do others manage?? I need advice on what to take to work for each meal, how to get the pills in during the day if I am not supposed to snack (only 3 meals a day is mandatory). Especially post op, I can only have 2-3 ounces of food for each meal…

I have been banded for five weeks. I have been very lucky and have experienced very little pain and no complications. However, my port incision seems to be taking a looooonnnng time to heal. All my other incisions are healed over with no tenderness. My port incision is pink and very tender. I just saw my PCP and she said it looked good with no sign of infection. So...did anyone else's port incision take longer to heal than the other incision sites, and was it tender? Thanks!