POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hi all, Just looking for some reassurance... I was banded a month ago, lost about 12kg from pre-surgery Optifast and the week after surgery. Haven't lost anything since and I am getting hungry again. My first fill is scheduled for this coming Tuesday...so do you think that will assist with my hunger? Mandy

Can we wear any of these. Do you wear workout bands? I will love to wear workout band when I exercise but I'm worried about my band. I carry a lot of my fat around my mid-section and my stomach doesn't look like it is going down even though I have gone down two dress sizes in two months.

Any suggestions are welcome!! If I am at home or reading or working I can do it, but if I am out at a resturant I am finding it extremly hard! I remember from my WW days they told you to concentrate on your meal! I am trying to eat slowly, I guess before my band I inhaled my food, probably without chewing!!

I just feel so weak! I finally left the house today my BF took me to walmart.. need to buy stuff for vacation.. we are leaving tomorrow to FLorida and Georgia for 1 1/2 weeks. I just feel soo tired and sleepy. I usually would walk faster then BF i'm was trailing him.. it was weird. I am having problems takingin Water due to my sour mouth. I over did it with Soup broth yesterday day.. mushed up the potato it was a Fine mush but over did it. Had to take nausea medicine doc gave me. Just had the broth of a chicken noodle soup.. feel it in my chest still.. Thing is it states I can start mushies starting monday.. mashpotatoes, grits, malt o meal, cream …

It's been a LONG time since I've posted, sorry! I had my surgery in December 08, and it's not almost Aug. and I've lost about 45 lbs - give or take. I run out of things that I can eat so...so sick of salads!! just wanted some thoughts and support.. thanks.. a new me

all is better now...no advice needed

I need sought of a fast answer from someone who knows. I have a 14cc band and I have a 8cc fill. I ve been trying to see if beer has affected me and so far I have no problem. My restriction is minimal and can eat anything so far the only problem I have is in the morning it seems like I can only handle liquids but the rest of the day anything. I would like to know if I drink beer on the cruise (which I reserved before I decided on band) would I be doing any damage. I m scheduled for a fill when i get back which the dr. said he will do as I request on the amount since I really don t have restiction. The cruise is tomorrow so I ll be happy with any fast replies. Thank you in…

Does anyone else have this? Somedays I can eat like I never had the band and then it fill like I have a lot of restriction?? It even changes throughout the day..Sometimes Breakfast goes down fine and then I have huge restriction at dinner. I can't even say it's becuase it is different types of food because sometimes even the sames food change. I hope this makes sense? I wanna go for a fill but Im not sure if i need one BTW I had sx 3/25/09 and am down 26 pounds:sad:

I am in a bit of trouble, like stuck trouble but at the other end of the digestive track. I think a glycerin suppostory might help? i always get this way from the drugs and anestesthia. i should have taken colace in the weeks before. how have you stayed regular in the first few weeks. can we take mineral oil?

I got my surgery date yesterday (sept. 2) and now im starting to freak. I read so many different scary stories and see some good stories. So tell me ladies...Love your band or hate your band?!?! Dont be shy about telling me why!!

I don't mean to sound overly dramatic, but seriosly I feel like I'm dying! It's been a week tomorrow since I've been banded and I can only keep down popsicles, jello and water. Any protein I try to get in makes me heave gas and clear bubbly fluid within the hour. It hurts so bad and I'm miserable!! Any suggestions???

Hi: I was banded on 7/17, and couldn't even swallow my spit for 2 days. Ended up in the hospital on 7/18 for 36 hours on IV fluids and steriods to maybe reduce the swelling. Then thedoc drew out 2 cc from the new band and at least I coild drink water. On Tues. 7/21 I started protrein shakes, and maybe can get 3 down a day. But today 7/25 I tried a little yogurt for brealfast and applesauce for lunch and feel like crap. They told me week 2 you should tried some puree foods, like soup through a blender, but I can't get even enough water down between meals. I told the doc to take the damm thing out if this how I am going to feel. Any advice or simular stories. THANKS…

I know I am being rediculous worrying about a lousy 1.4 lb gain, but GEESH...I haven't lost an ounce since starting reg food (soups, ground beef cooked to oblivion, soft eggs...all suggestions of my doc) and I only eat around 800-1000 cals per day!! I have read posts that tell me to watch my measurements so I finaly got off my tush and measured myself. MAYBE that will tell me something in a few days...or weeks:( Anyway, my QUESTIONS are, for those that are on soft or regular food, how many cals do you eat a day? or carbs if that is what you count? are you losing? gaining? and most important... what do you notice makes the difference in causing you to gain and/o…

I was told to wait 2 years after my surgery to get pregnant and my 1 year is coming up in a few weeks. Just wondering if anyone on this board has had a pregnancy with a band? How was it?

Just wondering what your fills are like under fluriscopy? I have my first fill next week and just wonder if they have to poke as much?

I seriously am feeling like something is wrong, I can eat anything and everything. Not that I do, but it is very hard to eat small amounts when I am so hungry after 4 hours. I had my surgery on 6/17/09 and my next visit with the doctor is in 2 weeks. After I get my first fill will I be able to eat less? I also have no problems with any foods, and I have never had a pb. All the weight I lost was during the liquid stage, not one pound since (3 weeks?) If I were to just eat the tiny portions required I would be gnawing through the side of a cow in less than 2 hours. It seriously feels like the surgery was just a dream, that it didnt really happen. Anyone understand where I…

So I had my first adjustment yesterday, I feel fine after the adjustment and all but I was wondering....have any of you used fat burners to help give you an extra boost during all of this? If so, what kind? Also, do any of you have a good multivitamin to recomend? When I first received the surgery they told me to get a gummy vitamin so I got those new one a day vitacraves but from what I've seen they're not exactly packed full of vitamins like some of the more solid ones out there. Anyways, any help you guys could give me would be greatly appreciated.

I saw Ruby (the lady that has her own reality show about losing weight) in an interview talking about how her palate has changed since she was doing the pre-made food program. She says she craves fish. I also have noticed the same thing. When I go to a restaurant, I order fish because that's what I want, not because that is what is the most healthy. I literally want fish every day. Most of my cravings are for healthy things. I won't talk about chocolate, though - that will never go away.

I think my uppermost incision may be infected--it's right at my bra line and it's hard to keep my bra from rubbing it. I am going to the doc tomorrow for him to check it. Anyone else have issues with incisions?

I had my lap band put on Friday, and as I type this I just finished eating a milkshake with a spoon, in hopes it woudn't irritate my stitches. Any tips for dealing with emotinal eating? What do you guys do to deal with it? Cause I don't want to waste all this pain on milkshakes. Thanks to everyone who posts.

Just another gross question? Do you all feel like you have bad breath all the time? Just when I diet I feel like I do. How do you handle this other than the obvious flossing, brushing etc. Mints or what? Does it ever go away?

I was all set to get my fourth fill and suddenly felt like I didn't need it. It seem like the denser the food the fuller I feel and some times I feel like I can eat too much. I don't weigh my self often but I do know I'm loosing just by the fit of my clothes! JUST DON'T KNOW HOW TO SCHEDULE THOSE FILLS.:biggrin:

I know I've been MIA for quite a bit so I wanted to update everyone as to what's been going on in my part of the world. July 3rd Caysen came home from being with my family during my recovery. My younger brother and best friend spent a week with us. We had such a great time. I took them to the marine show (like a mini- SeaWorld), and of course to the beach. We did a lot of hanging out at the house because the weather was nasty. Well, on July9th, I had a follow up appointment and the beginnings of a UTI was detected. I started Levaquin that night, and progressively became more ill. By Saturday morning around 4am, I was in gut wrenching pain. I toughed it out becaus…

I was banded 3/6/09. I've lost about 45 pounds, but I've been stalled the last few weeks. Last week, I started re-doing my laundry room, so I was doing some pretty intensive labor - sweaty, hot, etc. Well, when I stopped to take a break, I opted for a cheese snack and it hurt. I stopped then tried again in an hour or so - same thing. I've noticed that since that day, it hurts every time I eat. There's no PB, it just hurts like a mild stuck. It happens every time I eat breakfast or lunch. By dinner, I'm ok. Anyone have this or know what it is?

I made it through liquids, mushies, and the transitional phase. I can now officially eat real food! I had a small salad with grilled chicken. I chewed it slowly and NO problems!! Now I just have to watch my caloric intake until my first fill on the 10th of August. Hooray...one more "obstacle" overcome.:cool2: Hang in there everyone...it WILL get here (although I thought it would be forever)!

Since my last fill, things have been pretty tough. I can barely take my morning medicine. Nothing but liquids pretty much of the day. I managed some yogurt over an hour period and it gurgled until I thought I'd go insane. I usually get sick at dinner. Tonight is the test - trying to just eat a little solid food - if it won't go then I think I need to get a little out? I just can't decide if I should try to wait it out and see if things get better. I am not getting my Protein but I am managing enough liquid. I know I can drink Protein drinks but I don't want that to be my life. Any suggestions?

I was banded on Wednesday and I'm on a clear liquid diet until next Wednesday. I'm sooooooo starving, I don't know what to do! Any ideas are welcomed!!

I was banded on 7/14 and weighed 355. This morning my weight was 336.2. My dr filled my 4.00 cc band with 2.2 cc's during the surgery and I am very full off very little. On a good day, i consume 360 calories, but am still having difficulty getting all the Water in. Most days I am around 200 calories. I'm full for hours and even sipping water between Protein shakes is very difficult. Most days are about 200 - 300 calories. I'm still on liquids but I need to know if I need an 'unfill'. I'm starting to feel like I am seriously under-nurished and am concerned. Thoughts?

I am fearful and having anxiety about beginning full time mushies Tuesday. I did mess around yesterday with a tablespoon of mushed up fries and ketchup and stopped once my belly wasn't rumbling (though it began again 30 minutes later and I had a shake.) Even though my belly wasn't by any means feeling full, I wasn't hungry either and I stopped. I wanted to continue to eat though just because it was sooooooooooo freakin' good. My fear is that I will push it and experience pain or stretch my pouch. I'm also afraid that I will not be able to get all the liquids in between eating puree's. I went shopping today and got all kinds of stuff that will probably last a damn m…

I have been having s/f hard candies and chew gum whenever I have cravings or to end a meal....anyone else? 1o calories for the s/f hard candies and sugarless gum.....is this bad?

Anybody ever wonder about the long term affects of exposure to x-ray? How often can one healthily be exposed to fluoroscopy? When I go for fills, the Doctor, nurse and my husband who are all present in the room have to where special covers to protect them but I do not. My husband actually brought up this point and it got me to thinking. Is there a limit to how many times we can without damage to ourselves be exposed to radiation within a year or specified period of time to have fills? Just a thought!:thumbup:

ok we are going on our summer family camping trip this coming weekend.. We go tent camping and only use the grill and camp fire to cook. So my question is does anyone have any food ideas for me? We will be gone for four days so I really need all the help I can get thinking of stuff to bring.

So now I do not have any saline in my band. what does this mean? What happens now? What can i eat? can't eat? I was having too much pain in my chest and lots of phlegm so doc.. decided to take it all out for me to heal from surgery.. (i had a hiatal hernia as well as being banded). They did a barrium swallow (YUK) to make sure everything was ok. Everything is ok.. no leaks no nada! So what does this mean? no liquid in my band? Do i still have a small stomach? Or stoma? I can drink Water better now that it was taken out. and i can breath better. Been hard to drink water or anything.... my mouth after surgery has been so sour.. i have to brus…

I never thought I would get here! I can't believe it. It's been 9 months, but I will never see that 2 in front of my weight on a scale EVER again. I'm humbled and so grateful for my band - and for all of you who have been so supportive. I look forward to going the rest of the way - I'm over half-way there. To all of you "newbies" I know it can be frustrating sometimes - especially when you see others losing at a much faster rate. I'm here to say that it doesn't matter!! The journey may be a little longer but these milestones along the way are oh-so-sweet.

I have had my band for five months now. I am 40 pounds down, with about 60 to go. I went to my doctor's support group meeting right after surgery, and met a woman who had her band put in the same day as me. We started talking and it now has expanded to a four bander group. We met last night over a nice dinner, and shared triumphs, tragedies and food tips. I cannot recommend this enough to any of you starting out! It is a great way to stay focused, and to ask some silly questions that you might not want to bring up to your doctor!

I was banded on 7/9 and I had my follow up dr appt last friday. I am actually down 20 since I began this whole process back in Nov 08 so I am by all accounts doing really well. I feel good, and the doctor's nurse says I have to have another office visit before the doc will do a fill. Now this would be ok with me except I had accepted a once in a lifetime job offer and being out of work at the moment I do not wish to mess this up. One of the stipulations of the acceptance of the job was that I not miss any time once the 12 week training begins. Holy smokes what am I going to do. If I can not meet the requirement then I lose the job oppertunity. I am so scared about…

Hi Everyone, My name is Michelle. Here is the issues that I hoping you guys can help with. I was banded 7/09/09. Only 11 days ago. I am still supposed to be on pureed food, but I just totally skipped that I have had some unforseen circumstances though. so, here is my story. After I was banded (about 2 days later), my kids (ages 16 & 12), left with some friends of ours to go to Key West. We are from NC. My oldest daughter went to get SCUBA certified. So, while they were gone my DH and I went to Myrtle Beach for 2 days. :wub:While there, we went out to eat and I did ok. I stuck with eating Soups and I even had a small amount of broiled flounder. I have ha…

I am 7 months post-op and during this last 2 weeks I have increased my time and intensity at the gym. I started a protein shake (Lean Dessert-Chocolate fudge pudding) and it is really good because I know I was not getting enough protein. My problems is over the last 2 weeks I have GAINED 4 lbs:cursing:. Could this be from the shake? or too much exercising? I only walk 2 miles on the treadmill and sometime 5 minutes on the eliptical. No weights. My restriction is good and I am not eating more than I should. Anyone else seen this happen? I have another appointment in 2 weeks with my doctor. Any suggestions? Thanks

HELP!!! So upset! I was banded March 30,2006. My biggest fill was 7.0 cc and I went from 295 to 216 within the first 18 months. I went to my surgeon regularly, and was very pleased with my results. I went to my Dr. in August of 2007 and did not get a fill- stayed at 7 cc, and then went back in December 2007. During my xray the surgeon discovered that my bad was slanted... he de-filled me and put me on a two week liquid diet. I went back, and they could only fill me to 3 cc. January of 2008, I lost my job and my health insurance....I have since gone up to 269 lbs.. and I throw up/vomit several times a day and rarely eat. But for some reason I cannot lose the weight, even …

I am getting my first fill in Novato, CA at the Fill center. I was wondering if anyone has ever gottend any fills there? What it is like etc....Any local bandster support groups in the northbay? Anyone live in Sonoma, CA that is willing to meet and walk? Anyone interested in putting together a support group with me? Let me know....always looking to get connected....Dana

Ok, I have had lap band for almost 6 months and I am at 7cc. Ok my thing is what in the world can I eat for breakfast? I cant eat eggs,they get stuck I cant eat bread I cant eat certain kinds of meat so what else is left beside oatmeal and grits? Oh yeah did I mention I hate oatmeal. I love cereal but its just like drinking while eating, you wont stay full long. HELP!!!!:thumbup:

Ouch! I have been on soft foods with the green light to progress to regular foods. Tonight I ate 1/2 cup shepherds pie made with ground turkey (layer of turkey meatloaf with layer of corn and topped with layer of mashed potatoes). I went slow but am thinking perhaps the corn is not band friendly??? or at least not yet?? here's why: every 5 minutes or so i feel a tight pain right smack, dab in front of my sternum area...like pressure type of pain, then it stops. almost reminds my of when i was pregnant and the baby was pushing his foot strait out as if nearly poking through my skin..only much higher, and slightly more painful. could this be the corn gettiing stuck kernel…

Has anyone tried the unflavored unjury? How did you incorporate it into your foods, just sprinking, or what? On soft foods right now and cannot stomach anymore isopure or protein shakes. Trying to make sure I get my protein requirements met. Thanks for any info you can pass along...

I'm getting banded tomorrow and I was wondering if you lose you hair like to do with bypass surgery? My sister had bypass surgery about a year ago and has noticed that her hair has thinned. I know it's a side effect with bypass, is it the same with the band? SOOOOOO EXCITED FOR TOMORROW!!:thumbup:

I was banded yesterday and I'm so sore and bloated. How long does this last?

Yipee! I get to start "normal" foods instead of mushies today. I just have a question. How do I know when I'm ready to eat a meal instead of just one thing? I don't want to eat too much but then I want to eat the right things too. I'm kinda confused about when I should start eating more than just one thing like I have been until now. For lunch I'm planning a piece of baked fish but somehow I don't think that'll be enough for me to eat. Does anyone else have or had this problem questioning your food? Thanks for any help!

I'm so excited I have to share....I've been saving my size 13 Levi's jeans that I fit into in college...1991. At my highest, I wore a size 22. Before my surgery, I couldn't even fit a leg inside, let alone pull them up. I tried them on yesterday and they buttoned. Now, they are insanely tight, not to mention hideously out of date, but they fastened! Woo hoo! :wink2:

How much did your surgeon put in??? My surgeon told me he filled "a little" at surgery because he believes the port should be left alone to heal for a full 6 weeks before poking at it, and he doesn't want his patients to go that long without restriction. i like his thinking. but when i aked him how much he put in..he said he didn't know excatly because he lets some bleed off to test the band is flushed... but enough to feel some restriction. he also scheduled me for a "2nd" fill Aug 24th, but said... but if you want to push that out because you are already feeling enough restriction, that is fine. I am only 9 days out... i feel restriction i guess, get full fairly e…

I don't know if I am allowed to do this; but, please answer my question. It is in the pre lap band surgery section entitled "Still more questions about surgery" I really think you guys have the answers I want. It is about psychologically losing and why. Thanks I would retype it hear but I don't think I could get it all the way I wanted to say it again. Thanks

Hi all, I was banded in January 2009, I have lost nearly 40lbs since then. I feel wonderful and guilty. Here is my story... The band has given me the 40lb weight loss that has eluded me for years!! I have dieted, lost, dieted, gained, you get the picture. Well, I know exactly what I needed to do, but couldn't do it. I worked out 5 times a week for 1 1/2 each day but could only lose about 20lbs. Once I got my band I was SO excited and stuck to the program religiously (40lbs lost!). Then I got the fill to end all. It made me absolutely MISERABLE!! I couldn't get anything down and ate slider foods. I decided to get an unfill, what a relief! I have been af…