POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

This happened today, and I thought some of you might enjoy it. Its a very rainy, hot humid day here in Columbus, Ohio. I think they have the AC set on a timer not to come on till 8am. A coworker named Steve and I were the first in the office. . He said, “Are you hot, or is it just me?” I replied, “Well, I have lost some weight lately”.:thumbup:

Ok where to start. I am 462 lbs and when I diet (1800 calories ) and excercise(walk a mile) I lose about 4 pounds a week. So why do I always hear this is a slow process? When I get my band and Im eating 1000 calories and walking a mile why wont I still be losing 4 pounds or more a week? Why only maybe 1 or 2 lbs? Makes no sence to me.

I tried to eat a scrambled egg yesterday and it didn't go down well at all. I didn't get through half of it & I was very uncomfortable. I was careful to eat small bites, chew well, and eat slowly...but I guess I could have eaten too fast. I don't particularly like eggs anyway, but I know it's a good source of protein so I was willing to eat it. I don't think I'll be trying it again for a while.

Hi all. Can anyone tell me how long I will be gurgling? My kids here me coming two rooms away. If I'm drinking I gurgle. Walking and gurgling. It is quite anoying and really a lot of discomfort. Especially in my shoulder and between my breasts. Any suggestions? Thoughts? Thanx Sheri

I was banded on July 22, and I'm sooooooo hungry! How do you get past this first week of Clear liquids? I'm fine during the day, I get my Protein and drink lots of Water. The evenings are the worst! I got to bed at 9pm just to not think about food! I'm not in any pain and haven't taken any pain meds in a few days. I would say I'm 98% but I'm STARVING!! I'm going for my post op appt tomorrow and I'm going to ask if I can please start on soft food. Anybody else feel like this? (Not to mention, I'm a real bi*ch when I'm hungry and I have to apologize to my family every morning!)

(I posted this in introductions but I'm not sure if this is a better place to have it) Hey all, I'm really new to this forum but I'm in need of some feedback. It may be long winded so bear with me. I had my surgery back in Debruary of last year, i was 315 then i went down to 230. Along the way though, mostly since say 245 and below I've noticed some things. I've also since gained back 20 pounds up to 250 so I've had a fill. My second one ever. Prior to this fill I felt like I had very very little restriction from my band. I've also had some problems. While eating sometimes I felt like food would get stuck, and it would be uncomfortable. Occasionally if it was really b…

This is a weird one but just wondered if any else has experienced this in connection to their weight loss surgery. My palms and wrists have been itching like mad for the last few days and as I have never had it before have Googled it and apart from the possibility of kidney failure, Crohns (which I am confident it's not) and dermatitis, allergic reaction etc. another cause mentioned is Vitamin deficiency, in particular Vits B12, B1 and B6. Has anyone else encountered this, out of interest? I'm not panicking as it could just be my shower gel irritating me but with just having weight loss surgery am curious as to whether a vitamin deficiency could be the cause at this early…

This is to encourage all who are awaiting there first fill and like myself have read so much that they are totally worked up! I was banded on 6/30/09 in Mexico and found a local doctor to has agreed to do my follow-up. I went yesterday and he checked me over and thought everything looked great. I have been reading so many horror stories that I think I was more nervous about the fill then I was about the surgery. Because I didn't know what to expect I had major fears. First their was small prick and sting to num the area and after that I could feel nothing! He found the port on the first try and added 3.5 cc. I tested it was okay by drinking some water and it went down fin…

I had my surgery 8 months ago. I have lost almost 80 lbs so far. I was trying to work on my abs before I had a hysterectomy 3 weeks ago. My abdomen is somewhat swollen from the surgery. My girlfriend had the lap band and mentioned that she had been wearing a girdle or some kind of sling to support her stomach. I must have missed that, because I had not been wearing one. Since my recent surgery, I am finding that I feel like I need abdominal support. Can anyone make any recommendations on what type of support to get and where to get it?

It would seem that I have post nasal drip and this has caused my throat to be sore. Also it has caused a feeling in my upper right side of my chest as if there is a huge lump in my throat and I can not get it out. Then if and when I burp it kind of goes away. I have been doing really well with my eating very tiny amounts and chewing well. And really NOT eating things that are not on my list to eat since I am still in the soft food stage of this whole process. It has been 3 weeks since banded and I really am just hoping this has a lot to do with my alergies and the post nasal drip. Just a bit nervous...

I'm feeling not so good today. I have a stomach ache and last night I had rapid heart beats. I fear I have a leak. What are the signs and symptoms. Thanks

I was wondering if anyone has their port just below their breast bone in the center of their lower chest and upper abdominals? I saw a picture of someone elses port and it was toward the side of their middle abdominal area - kind of made me wonder why mine was where it was. Im not worried but just wondering. Thanks...:smile2:

I was banded yesterday (7/28) and I am in so much pain. I am trying to control it with the tylenol w/ codeine the doctor gave me, but it only gives me about an hour & a half of relief. I just wanted to know form others how long the pain lasts!! Also, I forgot to ask the doctor if I can chew gum... does anyone know if its ok? Thanks!!

So I heard post op you cant have certian things like peanut butter or pinapple ( two things I am fond of). I know no bread and such. What else?:laugh:

I have been extremely nauseated since Saturday around noon, I remember I was really getting hungry and had some precooked chicken I bought at Von's and soon felt nauseated. I felt bad all day Sunday and just didnt feel like eating or drinking. I mean like one bite or sip was more than enough. I did forget to take my nexium on Sunday and wondered that maybe I forgot it on Saturday too, but not sure. I delayed taking my meds today because I didnt want to throw them up again. No fever or major vomiting, just almost constant nausea especially if I try to eat. Anyone have any ideas on this?

I'm on mushies and ate 3 meals today because I needed the protein but wasn't really really hungry. So, how do you know when you're full when you're not real hungry to begin with?

all the cool/strange/"normal" stuff you can do now since loosing weight with your band! :tongue2: I will start: I can shave the back of my legs! I have lost 8 inches on each theigh. Before I never wore anything but capris, pants and long skirts because I couldn't reach to shave back there. Sometimes I would have hubby rub some Nair so I could rinse it off in the shower. I can't tell you how good it feels to take a bath, lift my legs and shave! :biggrin: I can ride in a plane and not have to ask for a seat belt extender! :thumbup: You know those terrible people counters at parks and some stores? I can walk straight through them without having to turn sidewa…

So here I am, 5 days out from my July 23 surgery with Dr. A. I feel great. I am not having any trouble, except my Protein wasn't good the last two days (traveling), but I am home and having a nectar Iced tea and it doesn't taste like vomited dirt so I think I can manage it. I had a fabulous experience in MX. I was very pleased with everything. I stopped in to see my PCP today to give him the stuff and he was super happy also, and that means a lot to me. I am taking it a little easy, bending over and getting up and down are not the best sensations in the world, but otherwise I am feeling fine. I am back to the study at the end of Aug. I need to update my ticke…

Hello to all, Thank you for taking the time to read this post. I am a social psychologist and a nurse, and am faculty at a university in the Western United States. I am recruiting participants for my research study examining heterosexual couple relationships following the female partner's weight loss surgery. The study includes a survey and an interview with each couple partner. There is no cost to participate. It has been my observation that although the number of weight loss surgeries performed is increasing, there is little attention to the impact and adjustment that couples go through following surgery. Social support -- including a partner's support -…

I was banded 7/10/09. In the first 2 weeks, I lost 19lbs, so I think I am doing pretty well. However, in the last week I haven't lost anything and have maintained my 19lb loss. My concern is that I am going on solid food tomorrow (I have been on mushies for the last week) and that I have hit a plateau very early on. My doctor just told me 2 days ago that I can increase my exercise and start light work outs at the gym again, but to still be careful and not overexert myself. My question is, how quickly do you normally plateau? Is this typical? What can I do besides increase my exercise? I have been very conservative with my food intake because I have not been starving a…

Well I was banded just 2 days ago and my surgeon said when he got in there there was alot of scar tissue and my stomoch and liver were stuck togather with scar tissue. He seperated them and put some mesh or somthing between them to keep them from growing togather again. He said he wasn't going to put the band on but after seperating them the stomoch looked fine so he went ahead and put it on. He doesn't really know what caused the scarring but thinks it has to do with gallbladder surgery I had 2 months ago. While doing a liver ultrisound to prepare for lapband surgery they discovered gallstones so I had surgery. I had alot of pain after gallbladder surgery and ended up …

I have 2 months post op and have not lost any more weight than I did on the post op liquid diet. I have had two fills and am up to 7ccs in my band. I do strength training x 5 days a week and I rollerblad x 3 days a week. I eat healthy. Usually egg beater omlet in the morning with tomatoes and cucumbers. Protein shake and plain tuna or chicken breast for lunch. Dinner is usually a small protein shake and chicken breast or beef. I've been doing this for a month and a half with no results! I am getting very discouraged. I acutally gained a pound at my last Doc visit. Any suggestions?

I had my Lapband surgery in November 08 and couldn't be happier. I have lost 52 pounds to date. The past week I have been feeling like I have bit of a sour stomach. Kept wondering what it could be. And then last night I ate something and I PB'ed bad. It went on for 30 minutes. And then I actually threw up very bad. I hurt all last night. There is pressure on my chest, burning in my sternum and soreness where my port is. Today I feel the same, soreness by the port, and burning in my sternum area, especially when I drink something. I called the Dr and go see him this afternoon. Just wondering if anyone else experience this. I wonder what it could be?:thumbup:

I had surgery on 6/12/09 and I have lost 20lbs including the 10 prior to surgery. I'm about to get pissed. Was this all for nothing or have I just reached a plateau?

Does anyone know? I mean I get the soda thing, but why not coffee?

I subscribe to the South Beach daily emails....I get good recipes there mainly. However, today's email included these suggestiongs to control cheating. They are somewhat basic, but I think we all need reminding now and then! Skip the chip and cookie aisle at the grocery store and focus on the fresh foods around the perimeter. Empty your cupboards and refrigerator of all the unhealthy foods that trigger your cravings. When going out to eat, don't tease yourself by looking at the dessert menu. Instead, eat a serving of sugar-free Jell-O or a sugar-free Popsicle when you get home. Always carry a healthy snack with you, like a low-fat cheese stick or a handful of pla…

I went in to the doctor for my first fill. Let me tell you that big needle freaked me out. The bad part he could not get it! Most of my weight is in the front so it made it hard. I cried when I left it hurt so bad and he stuck me over and over. Today I am going in again to get a fill and they are using an xray machine. I am praying it goes well. Anyone else have this problem?

Has anyone got the same feeling? I had my first fill last wed and i would say from the Thursday it feels that i have something in the back of my throat like a fish bone or something. I dont have a fish bone because i havent had any thing like that to eat but its that type of feeling, has anyone had anything like that? Gillian :crying::crying:

Hey, I was just wondering how many of you went ahead and had a tummy tuck after you lost your weight? Did it hurt? DO you regret it? Or are there some of you who feel like you worked out enough and don't need one? I am just wondering if the majority of us will need a tummy tuck or if there is a possibility that with exercise I may not have to get more surgery. I know everyone is different , with how their skin is and their age and all that, but I am 30 years old and want to look my best and if that means getting a tummy tuck then so be it. Thanks for anyone and everyones input!:smile2:

I had my first adjustment this afternoon. I now have 5cc's in my Realize Band. My doc did it under fluoro and said that my opening to my stomach is now about the size of a nickel. I'm on only liquids for 2 days, then fuller liquids, mushies, etc. So my question is, what should I be expecting as far as liquid intake during these next few days? I had a lot of soup broth this evening (definitely 4 cups of broth at least). I felt full afterwards but thats a lot of liquid for anyone (banded or not). And I didn't feel like I needed to take very small sips. Generally, does liquid go down fairly easily? Should I be limiting my liquid (broth, etc.) intake? Is it possible to stre…

Hello All, I am 8 days out from surgery & my pain has been minimal & I have been bragging to everyone how blessed I have been with such a great recovery...even my scars look good....except today I woke up with EXTREME port pain, it feels like its pulling & tearing....is this normal, has anyone else experienced this looking forward to some responses.......

Hi All, Okay, I have a group question. I've had acid reflux for many years (about 12) and I was told that after the band I would have no more reflux. I was told that the majority of reflux is caused by hiatal hernias, which I was told I did not have. I had my surgery 7/3/09 with Dr. Ortiz (LOVED HIM) and post-op I had no reflux. When I finished my liquids phase and began solid foods (per direction of surgeon) the reflux has really come back. I've sent a message to the surgeon and I'll see what he says, I just wanted to check with y'all. Also, I never eat and drink at the same time, I only eat VERY small portions, and I take 30-45 minutes to eat my food. I haven't had my …

Everything is going really well I do not really have too much pain just pain around the port. My doctor only made one incision and then the port site. Anyways I have been burping alot! I have gas which I expected but burping? Is this possibly the release of the leftover gas in my abdomen. Just curious I like to know what others experienced so I can be on the lookout so I don't freak out!! And now I can sit up which is so nice and no pain meds heaven!!

So I am fairly new to this process- banded 2 months but have a band that doesn't have much in it- 2.8 cc (10 cc band). So my dr is very gradually filling me. I had a fill on Monday and am now having a new experience- if I swallow too big of a bite (because I am hungry, because it tastes really good, or because I am not paying attention) I get a 10 second pain in my upper chest and it passes. Is this considered being "stuck" or does a stuck episode last longer- I have always heard it as being described as 15 min. of pain. Is this a good sign that I am moving closer to restriction or just a sign that I am not chewing and eating slow enough. Part of me is hoping for an …

Hi All- I was banded on Monday 7/20 and this last week has been very painfull for me. I wasn't quite prepared for the amount of pain that surgery would bring. It's now Saturday and I'm *very* unsure about going back to work on Monday. I'm having a lot of port site pain. I'm taking the percoset as prescribed and liquid tylenol but my belly is still very bruised and swollen. I have a sedentary desk job but am just unsure that I'll be able to sit up all day! Any suggestions? :biggrin:

When you get stuck do you have a moment to get to the bathroom or is in instantaneous dry heaving where you would have to duck and run to the loo? Do you have a few moments where you can try and relax it out? I'm curious to know what it feels like exactly. I really want to avoid having to run to the bathroom and barf during social situations but from what it sounds like its a learning experience to figure out what you can or can't have.

Today I had my 1 yr. post-op measurements taken. All on the numbers for the arms, ankles and legs are taken from the rt. Side of my body. Upper arm down 5.5 in, wrist down 1 in, chest down 10.5 in, waist down 14 in, hips down 13.5 in, thigh down 4.0 in, calf down 3.0 in, ankle down 1.5 in. Abdominal down 15.5 in, iliac down 14 in, hips down 13.5 in. BMI dropped 20.1, weight dropped 142 lbs. My fat weight was 169.8# now it is 63.7#. 1 yr. ago I exceeded the weight limit on the treadmill and wasn’t able to be test on it, today I walked the treadmill and now my fitness level is HIGH! That is the best news, I went from not being able to walk to high fitness level in 1 yr,…

Don't know if this is right spot for this thread but hear goes anyway. I was banded Aug. 18, 2008 and have lost 120lbs. My appearance is totally different. My problem comes from I don't find myself very pretty or hot or anything. (My issues from being overweight for so many years.) But I have had alot more attention from male co workers and rude looks by female coworkers in the past 3 months. 1 co worker (who I thought was my friend.) has been treating me different and we always joke and have fun until I got email from his wife telling me to back off. My suprise considering he's 10 years older and reminds me of my father. Our family's were friends and by all means I am no…

Has anyone ever done a Canidia Cleanse with or without the band??? I've been thinking about trying it.

I've been taking Centrum chewables and i'm not too crazy about the taste. What do you take? Banded on 6/16/2009 First Fill Scheduled for 7/22/09 (... and nervous):thumbdown:

I know it has only been 3 days. I am not eating any thing only drinking liquids that the Dr. suggested. Is this normal or am i just freaking out? Dawni:unsure:

my mom isn't the best cook to say the least....she often expirements with new recipes and aaaaaaa well....last night she served one to my son...he took 3 bites of it and said he was full...she said...u can't b full u only took 3 bites...he said...aaa-huh...i have a lap band on tonight!!!!!:biggrin::sad:

I had surgery in Aplil 2009..since then I have had two fills...all I can tell is that it is just harder to swallow..I end up regurgitating it when I can tell that it is just sitting there...but I still don't have a satifisfying experience when I eat a meal...so I graze all day which is not helping my weight loss. I am not losing anything anymore. I am afraid that my espophagus will become dilated bcs. food just seems to build up in my throat! I am soo frustrated...What is like to feel satiated when you are at your "sweet spot"? and how much food can you eat when you are there? PLEASE HELP...getting depressed...

I'll just apologize in advance for being gross... OK... I was banded just over a year ago and my last fill was December. I am only down 60lbs (which I am so happy about) but am not ready to be filled again. I think my issues will get worse if I do... About March, I started having some acid reflux issues, I guess. I woke up one night nearly choking to death due to backup and then proceeded to cough so hard that I ended up getting sick. I do have to say that night I had eaten later than normal and gone to bed soon after. I realize you that's a no no and frankly that's really the first time I had done it and paid the price. However... now it seems to be happening prett…

dr insists my post-op liquid diet is only Water, clear broth & sugar free Jello (no juices). i asked about regular jello (w/sugar in it) and they said no. no reason, just no. i ask only because i can't handle artificial sweeteners - all of them. i get killer migraines from them and i've already had 2 since sunday. so basically, i'm limited to water & broth (i get an msg free/nearly free kind, though, because msg is also a migraine trigger for me). woo? so am i limited to the sugar free kind just because of the calories or will the sugar interfere with healing?

I am having trouble getting my Water in each day. I actually really like to drink water and drank more before the band. Of course one reason was that i was drinking a bottle with each meal. But now I am just nervous about drinking too fast. I am one month post op and going for my first fill tomorrow. While I will ask my Dr. I wanted to get people opinion on how quickly you can drink water. I keep filling my bottle and drinking it slowly like I did during the early post op period. But what i really want to do is just drink a full glass of water and then later have another. Do you continue to sip or drink slowly?

Banded in June and I just had my first fill last Thursday. Prior to the fill I found that I could eat and drink nearly the same amounts that I could prior to getting banded. In other words nothing gets stuck. It has been a week now since the fill and there is no change. I can still eat whatever! I am getting a bit frustrated.

Today is day 6 for me and probably the worst I have felt since having surgery last Friday. I don't know if I am coming down with something or what. I feel absolutely exhausted. have a headache. my ears are plugged and ringing. I did call the clinic where I had my surgery done and spoke to a nurse. She does not think it is anything to worry about, just not feeling well and since my immune system is weakened by surgery, I just need to lay low, drink fluids and Protein and this too shall pass. I have had a cup of Soup (in the middle of the night) and a cup of Protein Drink in the past hour. I feel full but hungry?? does that even make sense? But mostly I feel …

I am 7 days post op. Wow! This has been so much more difficult than I thought it would be. But, I am doing everything I am supposed to do -except eating a variety of foods. I have been consuming only broth and cream of tomato soup. For some reason, I do not want to eat cold food. And when I say I do not want to...it is weird...kind of like I Really don't want to and I do not want to throw up! :thumbup: I've been avoiding the other foods up to now, because I am basically healing and my priority has been to just get by, but today I am going to try to make myself at least sip on something else. I can have fat free skim milk, slim fast, powdered protein drink, broth, strain…

I had my surgery 5 months ago. I have had 3 fills now and have lost 70 lbs. I haven't had any complications at all. Yesterday afternoon, I started having a poking pain at the long incision site above my port (which is on the right side). To begin with I thought there was something on my shirt that was just poking the site. Later I realized it is from the inside poking towards the outside. It bothered me during the night enough to wake me up a few times. It is still poking now and anytime I move I can feel it. It actually kind of feels like a small needle poking from the inside. Has anyone else had this problem and know what it is?