POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Its a slow day here, am I was sitting here thinking. I was 225 when I got married 28 years ago. I use to travel a lot and when I got down to 195, I'm thinking this was 1985 or so, I was in Missouri and I noticed my wedding ring was missing and I suspected it came off while I slept. (Ladies, this is the truth) I was lucky and did go back to the hotel room and was able to find it in the bed. I'm getting close to getting back to that weight and I see my ring is very loose. I'll have to look into one of those ring guards. Just thought I would mention it in case it saves someone from losing a more expensive piece of jewelry.

I know this must be somewhere, but.... On prescripition meds...i take bp pills--they are capsules and arent tooo big--maybe the size of a tylenol capsule. Do you think they are too big to swallow? My PCP told me i should be able to swallow it (im afriad) and i tried opening it up in pudding..i didnt get the whole thing in and it was awful. I did take a smaller capsule with no problem. My diabetes pill is huge--but right now i dont have to take that, i can cut that one up when the time comes... I'm just concerned with the bp pill . I was banded Tuesday. Thanks for feedback...i just know i dont want it to get stuck!

I'm 2 1/2 weeks post op. Friday I went to my PCP for a sinus infection and started on antibiotics. Since Friday I have had a migraine. I'm still getting my protein in but not my fluids. Today I had low grade fever 99.9 and am just feeling really run down. I'm trying to force fluids but because of migraine I have no appetite. I don't know if this is from the sinus infection or if I'm getting dehydrated. I hate to bother my surgeon's office for something non band related but I don't know what to do.

The other 4 days I didn't really feel any band tightness. Once I got a pill stuck but that was it. Today though I just woke up feeling really tight and am having a hard time with any thicker liquids. Thoughts??

I finally had my first fill today (4ml) Had it at about 11am Have had sips of water and a tried a bit of milky tea but am finding it hard to keep anything down. Have reflux and bubbly burps as well as a headache. Tried to take some antacid and baby paracetemol but that came up too. Will things have calmed down by tomorrow - any tips/advice?

I'm about six days post-op and I can't really drink Water - I'm really having trouble getting liquids in and my urine is dark. The spasms are awful when I drink. I'm trying but I'm finding the only thing I can get down is unsweetened juice. I have an instant gag reflex for ANYTHING with artificial sweetener and can't stomach Vitamin water at all, so sugar free popsicles are out. (I've always been that way. Splenda tastes like pure toxicity to me.) Is there a reason I can't make my own popsicles with unsweetened juice? Or just buy the fruit juice popsicles at Whole Foods? Can someone explain the need for sugarfree items to me? I get I'm not supposed to be sucking do…

So I'm relatively new to this process, a little over 3 months out, and have had 2 fills to date, and am not sure I'm feeling the way I should be. I have pain, like stuck pain, whenever I eat pretty much anything but soup or ice cream. Sometimes I can wait a couple of minutes for the pain to subside then continue eating for a bit, other times it gets so bad I'm throwing up in the bathroom after my second bite. I am very careful to chew, chew, chew, but it doesn't seem to help. I'm guessing I might be a bit too tight? Or is this just the way you feel with the band when you get restriction? I understand not being able to eat bread/pasta, but am to the point where every…

Need some suggestions, please... My nails are peeling like onion skin. My guru at the health food store has me on liquid Calcium 2 times a day but it's not helping. I've upped my protien but I can't seem to stop this. Had my surgery in March and am down 35 lbs. Anyone else have this problem and what are you doing for it.... I'll try anything. Thanks, Michele

UCK! Help, I was banded in December of 2008 and have lost 40lbs so far but I still battle with food getting stuck. My GP says maybe I need to "prime the pump" but as we all know the drink prior to meals is a no no. But I tryto chew very samll bites and sometimes I don't even get three bites in and wham I'm in pain for an hour. My surgeon says I may be eating too fast but if I only get three bites in how can it be too fast? I had a problem with GERD prior to lapband sugery and have heard that may have scarred the bottom of my throat? Anyway this is not the way i want to eat the rest of my life!!

Hey everyone. I was just wondering what ya'll know about carbs and stretching the pouch. My doctor never said to do a low carb diet, but at the same time, he didn't say to eat Pasta and potatoes for every meal. He said to focus on lower calories. I havent had any problems getting down toasted bread or angel hair pasta so I like to splurge on that every now and then. However, my boyfriend is one month post op and his doctor said to avoid carbs because they stretch the pouch. He is supposed to do a low carb, low fat diet and not worry so much about calories. I'm somewhat concerned that I might be on the road to stretching my pouch due to the carb intake. Any insight a…

I was banded Feb 25th and did really well the first 3 months, losing about 10lbs per month. Now I seem to be at a stand still for the past 6 weeks, only losing about 3.5lbs. I know it is probably because I need a fill. I had to miss my appointment at the beginning of June, because I didn't have the money to pay for it, since my husband and I neither one are working right now. So even though I can't get a fill right now, I need some suggestions on how I can get my self back on track. I have been kind of depressed about not losing any weight and then I eat, which I know is the stupidest thing that I could do, but I guess old habits die hard. I hope to be able to get a…

anyone trying to get into the chat room tonight... log out at the top right... then don't log back on there.... click on chat... then it will ask you to log on there.... do that --- it takes a few mins but you can get in.... Don't know why we have to do it this way but it works... hope to see you guys in there.... __________

After you got out of surgery how did you feel? How was the pain ? How long did you hurt? How long did it take you to recover? Iwant to know what to expect. Tell me your story.

I was banded on 7/6/09 I still have gas and burping how long will this last because it's annoying? I knew that I would have gas because they blow you up to do the operation but I wish it would just all come out at once ya know.

Does anyone know the medical justification for the clear liquid stage, which seems to exist for some docs and not others? I ask because, like many others, I really cannot stand any of the clear protein drinks. I think Isopure tastes like someone put melted plastic or soap in it. Additionally, when I was travelling yesterday and really out of it I bought and drank half an odwalla soy milk super protein drink and had no reaction whatsover. Today, I ended up having two mix in water protein drinks -- the very light, high quality brand. Again no issue. Now, I am willing to follow the diet if it has a reason, but I really have to know it! THanks:confused1:

Hey guys, Need some ideas on how to kickstart myself again! Eating some crap lately had exams etc thats my excuse im sticking to it!! Lost 25kg so far another 25 to go so need some ideas on what others have done to get off this plateau!! any help is awesome guys!! Em.

:scared0: Vegas Angel had her sleeve about three weeks ago...she can't seem to drink anything without feeling 'full'. After anything she eats she burps real bad, most of the time she has no energy after 8pm. I mean she is ready for the bed. It seems she can't get all her protien in either becasue taste is an issue or fullness. She has the slimes now and again from or for whatever reason......:scared0: So my question is this...IS THIS HOW IT IS? I am scheduled to be sleeved on the 11th and I can tell you all that I do NOT want to live this way...THIS SUCKS! I understand about the all liquids for 20 first clear then any, I understand about 'mushies' but what she i…

I am a week out of surgery and I am still not @ wk yet. Infact, i sleep most of the day and when i walk out to get the mail i feel winded. I am also dizzy after walking. i am on HBP med's and I have been doing well on them until now. I wonder if it's dehydration or the new RX for gallbladder?? If anyone knows anything between now and when i call the doctor tomorrow, i'd like to know..:thumbup:

For the last 3 days or so I have had this weird senstaion under my rib cage on both sides. It feels as if someone is sitting on my chest- I dont have any chest pain and am not wheezing- I am able to eat, no vomiting or diarhea or fevers. I feel fuller sooner since this started and was just wondering if anyone else has experienced this. I was home for the long weekend and was able to lay around but now that I am back to work and sitting and moving it sometimes is sharp on the left side- If I didnt know any better it feels like gallstones (but on the wrong side) and I have no gallbladder or appendix.... Weird huh? Any advice would be helpful- I have appt with mydoc on…

I know this question has been asked a million times and I did read through the responses I could find before posting but I'm still not sure and hoping some of you could give me some insight. I had my band placed last August and though I've only lost 40 lbs I'm happy with it. Anyway, I've been nauseous for the last 3 days and have pain in my gut right where the top insision is. It feels hard when you press it too. I've eaten oatmeal twice in the last 2 days and all went well but I'm still pretty darn nauseous and just trying not to throw up. I just don't feel well but its making me worry my band has slipped. I do not have any coughing at night but do have small burping …

Are there other websites or stores to buy Protein powders unflavored or chichen ect. I have gone on injury website. Also any other idea's getting the protein in for the day. I am almost 2weeks out and hopefully will be starting" mushies" by Wednesday.I know it is important to get 50 to 60 grams of protein a day. Which I am doing.I am just trying took look at different ideas than just drinking shakes.

Had 1 measured cup of of tuna-salad. Wasn't hungry when I was done but I don't know if I had that "full" feeling. Is it the same full feeling as before surgery?:confused:

Hi, had my band surgery today:biggrin: and I am in need of some good clear liquid ideas. I am getting burned out on apple juice and popsicles. Any ideas are appreciated, BTW, pain is not too bad, i have already had two walks todays.:thumbup: Michelle

I just recently had my lap band surgery (June 2nd) and I'm getting a lot of diarrhea. Sometimes it seems like it's just all Water. Is this common?:tongue_smilie: - Thanks.

It has been 4 days since my surgery and I still am having horrible gas pains & indigestion. I am even scared to leave the house because of the diarrhea. Is this normal & how long should it last? I am following the clear liquid diet to a tee because I am so scared to mess up. But I feel miserable :frown:

Hello everyone I have a question about these funny noises that my tummy is making. Is this a normal thing? I would like to know if the reaction in my tummy are normal? Thanks for the input. M

Hello all! I was banded on April 8, 2009 and had my third fill about two weeks ago. I am happy to report that I finally feel restriction! I thought it was strange that I went from not really feeling any restriction at all, to ABSOLUTELY feeling it. I am not sure how much the Dr. added during my last fill, but he said he was going to only add a little bit. Is that dramatic change normal? So now I can really only eat a very few bites (maybe 5 max), and I have to be very careful about chewing carefully and going very slowly. I am worried that I may be overfilled. I am really starting to lose weight quickly (nearly 8 pounds a week) and I am thrilled about that, but i…

Hi, I was banded yesterday, and yesterday was great. However today is a different day. I have had trouble drinking fluids all day, so I thought I would try some Jello. Boy, was that a mistake. I could feel it get stuck. I have noticed that warm fluids do better than room temp. fluids. Is this normal and does it get better?

Has anybody else had a problem with a contracted muscle in there abdomen. I was banded 6/1/09 and a shortley afterword I noticed a lump in the center of my stomach aprrox. 2 inches above one of my incisions. My surgeon looked at it and said it was a contracted muscle. It seemed to be getting smaller and less painful as time went by. I went back to work on 7/6/09 and was only able to work 3 days and it was back again. (I do alot of heavy lifting at work) My surgeon checked it out again and said it was still a contracted muscle and has taken me off work for 2 more weeks. Has anyone else had any issues like this. Kind of bummed out about it but I'm still glad to have my band…

Hey any of ya'll taking mobic for arthritis pain? My GP perscribed it to me a year of so ago and I stopped taking it. I wonder how it effects the band? To late today to call the doctor. Wondering if any of you are on it.

I am 3 weeks post op. I am sick of my shakes. I am now eating HIGH protein foods such as eggs, chicken, peanut butter, ect. My surgeon mentioned how I dont need as much protein anymore. What is your experience? When did you stop drinking them if at all?Are the foods Im eating enough protein? I would appreciate the input

ya know Ive been reading threads for over a year now and am all ready for surgery. Hears my worry. Im self pay and its took all i have to scrape up the thousands and thousands of $ to have it. From all these threads people seem to have more problems than success. Im so worried that somethings gonna happen. Erosion, port slippage ,band slippage,infection,just to name a few. what are the chances of nothing happening and what are the chances of something bad happening. Im getting scared.and im out of $

I've heard before (I might have read it on here, I don't remember) that your band can be tighter in the morning. I experience this every morning but I don't know why? Is it because I've been laying down? I can't think of another reason. The second question is - I've also heard that sometimes your band can be tighter when you are close to that time of the month. Has anyone else experienced this? I have had trouble eating anything the last 2 days that didn't stick me. I'm very conscious of my chewing and don't drink while I eat either but it seems like the last 2 days I haven't been able to get anything down with it causing me trouble and I should be starting my peri…

So I know that I am not supposed to drink any fluids when eating my meals. I dont know why (can anyone shed any light on why). I have been away on vacation and when you are away you tend to snack. Can you drink fluids when snacking? I know its not healthy to snack, but I am going to live my life on vacation and back to dieting when I get home. I also got my first fill before going away and I feel no restriction. When can you can the next fill?

I was banded on Friday, June 5. I'm having trouble finding enough food to get full on, using the "liquid" phase (creamy Soup, cream of wheat, Jello, etc for 2 weeks). I'm feeling discouraged and frustrated, and wondering if I've made the wrong decision. Has anyone else felt this way soon after they were banded? Would someone please share with me their liquid/mushy food "diet" for the first few weeks after surgery? I need some inspiration!

Today I saw my surgeon and had a esophogram. Everything looks good except that I still have some swelling. Also, it looks like some liquid is in the band so I have actual restriction. I have lost about 22 pounds over the course of the pre-op and post op diet. But today I had the most wonderful meal....my first mushies. I blended some tuna and low fat mayo and slowly ate that. Then I gave myself some greek yogurt. I was only able to eat about 3 spoonfulls but I ended up eating 5. That was a mistake. but it was a useful one. I felt the feeling of really being overfull and that if I had one more mouthful I would regret it. I stopped and did not think about food for about 5…

Had my first solid meal!! I ordered it.....from bandasticmeals.com..... It was okay. Better than my cooking! Anybody order that?

hi everyone, i was banded on jul 1 and i was just wondering if anyone still took arthritis meds, mine is a big white pill, doc said if i could break it or mash up it was ok but the pharmistis said it was timed released and couldnt be broke up, just wondered if you all still took your meds and how did you do it thanks tammy

I will admit that I'm a stress eater and the amount of stress I've had the past four months has been unreal. That has translated to me eating more M&Ms and ice cream that I should. However, finally, I have been exercising regularly for the past six weeks. Five days a week...first for 1/2 hour, the last two weeks at 45 minutes on a treadmill. My last fill was March 20, at which time I dropped five pounds. I haven't lost anything since then. But here's the weird thing, I've dropped a dress size. Is my scale messed up? :smile2:

I am 5 months out from surgery, during a post operative lab check for fatigue I was found to have a B12, Thiamine and Vitamin D deficiency. They are currently being treated with injections and supplements. I like many others had the Vitamin D deficiency preop. While I know Thiamine and B12 are commonly deficient after bypass surgery.Out of curiosity how many of you since your lap band have the same deficiencies. Thanks..Lola

Sometimes when I eat I feel a burning in the right side of my throat or really sort of closer to my ear - like heart burn but going from throat to ear - hard to explain but I was just wondering if anyone else had this - it is sort of like the feeling I got right after surgery where my left shoulder would sort of burn but that went away after time.

I am 4 days post op (surgery 7/7) and I'm feeling pretty good. I am still a bit bloated but I am surprised at how good I feel. I even slept partly on my stomach last night. I told my family if it were not for the incisions I'd think nothing was done. Thankfully though I don't have an appetite so I'm looking forward to a major weight loss between know and when it comes back to jump start my progress. I did sneak on the scale last night I'm down at least 5 pounds WhoooAAAA! The true test will be when my appetite comes back and I start to get my fills. I hope I experience more than a 1 pd per week weight loss considering what we have to do but if thats the case so be it bett…

Ever since surgery I cant get comfortable sitting. My back feels so uncomfortable like it has a catch. I dont know if it has anything to do with surgery but it is so annoying. I am constantly twisting and turning trying to find a way to sit. Driving is so bad too! Anyone else?

I had my lap-band surgery on 6/25/09, so I am two weeks out and I have been experiencing some left sided back pain and it is very annoying, has anyone else experienced this and will it go away. My port is on my right side. I am sitting here with an ice pack on it right now which seems to help until I take the ice pack off. Please someone tell me this will go away, it hurts. GVD :tongue_smilie:

Well today was interesting for me. I had my 2 week incision check up from surgery. Went to the doctor saw another Doctor I have never met, that makes 3 different doctors in 4 visits. I was okay with that and the visit went well. We talked about the incisions which look great and talked about my first fill on Aug 5th. I never brought up the word weight and neither did the doctor. ALmost as an after thought as I am walking out, he says oh by the way "You know that only some people lose weight with the band;" I was so stunned, why would he say that, we werent't even talking about weight loss as I am only 15 days post surgery. Even though I have lost 20 pounds so far. It…

Agnes did GREAT! She was in and out in 30 min and the doctor said that it could not have gone better. She was PASSED OUT! to say the least after surgery. Got her up walked around for about 5 min, then back to sleep she went. We meet some WONDERFUL ladies who were getting the surgery done today and they were great (and so was there guests) So thank you ladies for spending time with us. She's still there, could have come back but she had her own TV and was confe so she decided to stay till morning. So you all have another one that just joined your elite club and I do have to say that I am proud of her and each and everyone of you and my heart goes out to all of …

Hi all, Since getting out of surgery on 07/07, I have noticed a pressure feeling at my diaphragm and the feeling of needing to burp really, really badly, but I can't get anything to come up. Is this due to swelling because of band placement and will it eventually go away? I have been trying to sip, sip, sip, but the pressure is really bothersome. Other than that no gas pains, no shoulder pains. Feeling okay other than needing to burp. I have also been taking the gas X strips, and have been moving gas the other way. Thank you so much, Paulette

I was banded on May 7th and had my first fill on June 16th. Between my surgery date and the fill I could pretty much tolerate any kind of food. I typically eat whatever I want, just smaller portions. Of course fear of getting stuck keeps me away from most "bad" things. I went back to the doctor last week just a little over two weeks post-fill because I felt like I still had no restriction. Post-fill I've still been able to tolerate whatever I want to eat. Quantity control is mostly mental for me as I am stopping myself from overeating, I don't feel a sensation of full with the band (Or maybe I only know what stuffed feels like and I'm afraid to go there!!). M…

How long did it take you to see your own weight loss?? For me, I've lost 40 punds so far, and although most of my clothes are falling off me, I can't see any difference when looking in a mirror at myself. Others have noticed and started to comment, but I still can't see it.

:biggrin0:Hi, I know it is different for everyone but how many ibs a week do you lose? Is there a certain amount that you should be losing or you must be doing something wrong?