POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Eating different meats or foods is different for everyone, but just in case you haven't tried red meat, keep it in mind. When eating red meat cut up the pieces really small and eat only a 1/4 or less of the amount of meat you would normally eat. If you eat 4 ounces of meat normally, 1-2 ounces might be all you can handle. This became prevelent for me today. I am finding it true almost everytime, especially with roast, steak, bbq chicken etc, etc.

I have discovered something this week in my never ending battle with myself , my stomach and my addiction to food. Well, to be quite honest I have realized a few things. I am at a point in my life were I have come to terms with the fact that I have an addiction to food and it has a serious grip on me. I also have realized that my band has not failed me .... I have failed my band. So in light of coming to this realization... I am beginning a new journey TODAY.... Today I start my SUMMER 2009 BORN AGAIN BANDSTER SLIMDOWN!!!!!! Now here is where the road block always hits....motivation and accountability because we ALL know that there is allllllllways tomorrow to start…

I only had my band placed yesterday, so I know there is a lot of healing. But I keep getting soooo tired - must lie down and nap tired. Is that normal? At first I thought it was the Stadol pain med, but then I didn't take any this morning and it was still that way - 3 cat naps in a couple hours. I'm just overwhelmingly tired. Not sure if it's the meds or the healing from surgery or the fact that I haven't had real food in so long. I'm just tired and woozy and it's even hard to read/post because my eyes aren't working well. Normal?

So mad right now my insurance company called to tell me that my claim was denied, because the doc did not wait for approval to do the surgery. They want me to file agrievance against the doc. Due 2nd fill on friday and the office did not call me yet:cursing:

The Third installment of the Bandster Banter blog come check it out and join the Band Revolution!!!! hair to air dry ...my hair is CRAZY curly and I decided to do a post. I usually try to do these things when I have my band boxing gloves on, when I am feeling my best. But I realized that I do way to much of that ... and its therapeutic , admitting the "ugg" days and type-talking it out to myself, and the rest of band land. Truth be told, the reason I sat down, dressed, wet haired and starring blankly at my computer screen was ... I was avoiding the mirror. Does anybody else have those days? I know you do.... Those days when you tear into your closet. The closet th…

I can't seem to get rid of this headache and my pain meds arent helping. I woke up and saw i lost 2 1/2 pounds 2 days post op yay!

I had my first fill on Tues 05/26/09. Ever since then, my port is tilted. I can fill the top edge of it poking outward. I used to be completely flat under my skin. Has anyone else had this? Is it starting to flip????

I had my 3rd fill yesterday and was on liquids all day yesterday and again today. My issue is, every time I go on liquids I gain 1-3 pounds. Does this happen to anyone else? I am sure it is water weight, but I am curious if this happens to many people.

Hi. I've had lots of scale victories and non scale victories. Yesterday when I weighed...... drum roll ...... I am finally at 200 lbs. I've lost 75 pounds and I feel GREAT!!! That means if I have a good week, I will be in ONEderland when I weigh next week. Been celebrating all day - not with food of course. I still have a ways to go.... but I know I'll get there. Thanks to all of you for the support you've given me over the last 9 months. Time sure does fly when you're having fun. Take care!!! Becky I LOVE MY BAND!!!

I have been experiencing some heartburn the last week or so. Wondering if anyone else has this problem. It has been a couple of months since my last fill and I was thinking of scheduling another since I am not really losing. What causes the heartburn? Any suggestions? Thanks in adance!

I had the realize band place on May 27th, right now I am very sore, other than that I am fine. So I guess I am in the Mayo Banditos club. yeahhh How is everyone doing with their bands?

I was just banded 5/22 and I’m confused on what some of the terminology that is being used in the forum. Can someone explain to the newbie what is: Bandsters hell Sweet Spot PB If I find more, I’ll let you know. LOL! Thanks everyone!

major back pain, losing voice not sure why, my port area is so sore please tell me this will get better

How long did you all wait to go back to work after the surgery? I am curious because I am having mine done next week and don't want to be out of work too long.

I got the band a week ago and I've recently come down with a cold and persistant cough. Thankfully there are plenty of liquid medicines, so that's not a problem. I'm mostly worried by the cough and constant nose-blowing and whether this is causing trauma to any area of the band. I know we're talking about different pipes, but there is some general aching in the area when I cough. The problem is that I don't know if this is because it's causing trauma or I'm still experiencing post-surgery pain. I'll give my doctor a call on Monday, but thought I'd come here first to see if any of y'all had advice or similar experience!

Starting day 4 after installation. Black and Blue the size of a baseball where port is installed. Normal?

does anyone know what percent of patients erosion and slippage occur in? Are there any ways to prevent these from happening?

Hello all, I was banded on May 1, 2009 and have already hit a plateau!!! I lost 8.8 lbs between April 21st and May 7th (liquid diet to post op appt) and then 3.3 more lbs between the 7th and the 11th but haven't lost a single ounce since May 11th. Its been 15 days and nothing. I am eating between 800 and 1000 calories a day and working off 300 - 400 of those calories off at the gym. I don't understand this at all. Two days before my surgery I seriously considered cancelling because I just didn't see it working for me, after all, nothing else has. Now I'm wondering if I did the right thing? Maybe its not going to work for me. Did anyone else have this kind of troubl…

I found Dr. Mutafyan at beverlyhillsphysicians.com. I am meeting him next week. The consultant Nicole has been awesome so far..... But I'm hoping to talk to someone who has a good experience with this doctor...Thank you!

Okay - I had my first fill a week ago. I was sad at first because I didn't feel any restriction at all. Everyone told me to hang in there - sometimes you won't feel the full effect of a fill for a week or two. Well, I thought this was just crazy. It didn't make sense to me; if the band is tighter from the saline, why would it take a week to feel it? I don't know the answer to that, but I do know it is true. For the first time last night I finally felt a little bit of restriction. Now I know what everyone has been talking about. It really did take some time. One unfortunate side effect of this discovery was that I was in some pretty serious discomfort, and some…

I was banded on May 19th (6 days ago) my incisions feel fine, my mobility is great and I am going back to work tomorrow. My issue is that I am soo freaking hungry. Just the thought of having any more broth, popsicles, or Protein shakes makes my stomach turn. Because I cannot stand the idea of Fluid, I have not been having enough protein. I am cranky because I am hungry and wanted to just jump my husband for his mashed potatoes. Was anyone able to eat something as simple as mashed potatoes or scrambled eggs 1 week post op? I am not looking to eat anything too crazy, but I just do not know if I can wait another week to start the puree phase of the diet. Also, did…

Ok so we all discuss the caloric intake, but how much exercise and what types of exercises do you do? Is it on a daily basis, every other day? And lastly, how long? I was banded on 5/15 and went to the gym 2 times since (fast walking for 30 mins on treadmill) but since I went back to work I walk to and from the train everyday (about 30 mins total). Other than that, nada. I did this because I was being lazy :wink:, but really waiting til my body heals. im going to the gym right after work but I need to do something to get this weight to start falling off since I been at a stagnant weight since the the surgery (grrrr!! ).

I am going to be banded on 6/17 and I've read a lot about the synthrax nectar protein. Has anybody else not minded these? If so, I'm trying to find a website with variety packs since I don't want to buy a big tub of one or two flavors until I know I like them! Any advice would be great. Thanks!

I was banded May 18th. The little sattelite incisions are pretty much fully healed now. My largest incision seems to be coming along pretty good too, with the exception of a little spot in the middle that oozes just a bit. It's not dripping or anything major, just a small ooze, no odor, pain or redness. Is this normal, or should I get it checked out?

i have been having some abdominal pain for a few days now... it comes and goes throughout the day, but i really feel it after i eat...i dont eat too much and it takes me abou 25-30 minutes to eat everything... at first i thought it was gas, but now i dont know... does anybody know what band slippage feels like? thanks!

I feel so nauseous. Like I could throw up at any moment. I am taking the anti-nausea meds, but it helps little. I can't get my protein drink down. I did call the doc and he recommended one pepcid tablet a day. Need to have hubby bring those home. UGH! Suggestions please . . .

I was banded on 1-29, and feel pretty good so far. I am wondering how long people stay out of work for. I work in a dual role where I can do light duty or lifiting. I am thinking two weeks.

How many with band are using diet aides like appetite suppressants, Alli, Slim Shots... with the band? Especially before hitting your "sweet spot".

I had a fill in the us .4cc, was too full, a nurse friend of mine took it out. put back .3cc and again .2cc I can't eat anthing! any ideas? this is been 2 days and sick of it.

Hey all, I really need some advice. I had my first and only fill on may 6th and now 3 weeks later I feel very tight and uncomfortable. It had been about 4 days feeling this week. Is it common to have a delayed reaction like this? I had been feeling wonderful before hand. I am also extreamly constipated (tmi I know, but trying to figure this out), could the constipation be making me feel tight? please any any all thoughts and advice is MUCH appreciated. thanks in advance, amy

Hi everyone, I am new to the forum, but almost two years out with the Lap band. It has worked really, really well for me and so far I have lost 78 lbs. and I have about 30 left to go (I have been plateaued for over a year- grrr!). Anyhoo, I have had a sinus infection for the past week and a half after having the flu and I have noticed that for the last week or so I have had a hard time keeping ANYTHING down, even fluids. It's like my band it too tight or everything is getting stuck. I think it is from having so much mucus and goo running down my throat that it is plugging up the band?? Almost everything is coming back up, even Water, juice, milk, Protein drinks, etc. I…

So, I've been having to get my fills at the hospital under fluoro for $450 a pop because the doc hasn't been able to access the port in the office. Today I went to have this done and he was having a hard time getting to it. He did the fill, but says that the port has totally detached and it can flip around. He says that I need to have surgery to re-attach the port. I asked him what the cause for this could be and he didn't give me a good answer. I asked if it could be from working out, he said, possibly. I work out a lot and do pilates, all of which I was approved to do. What causes the port to flip? Since I am self pay, I am going to have to pay for the surgery out of po…

I have experienced having food get "stuck" a few times in the past few times. Generally it's when I just forget and take too large of a bite or don't chew long enough. Last week however, was the absolute worst experience. We were having a group lunch to Celebrate my boss' birthday. I had just taken a bit of my chicken and someone told a joke. I started laughing and that made me swallow that piece of chicken before it was fully chewed. Needless to say, within a minute I knew I was in big trouble. I pretended my pager went off and left the party to head to my office. Thankfully I have a private office where I was able to close the door and sit at my desk...in horr…

Someone on the forum directed me to TJ's world wide protein because it has alot of protein, is easily portable in the soda can it comes in and isn't too expensive. However, I don't find this protein drink filling at all. The cans come in either a 21 gram or a 35 gram of protein variety, so I should think all that protein should sorta fill me up, but it doesn't do much for me. Shouldn't protein drinks be filling since they have so much protein in them or am I off base?

i am totally frustrated!!!!!!!!!!!!!! my friend had bypass surgery almost a month ago...the first 2 weeks she did great!!!!!!!! her 3rd week rolled around she went back to eating ice cream...mac and cheese...candy...no....she is not dumping....i dont know much about bypass surgery...i joined a bypass support group...to get advice...they have all been helpful and very nice....she refuses to change her eating habits....refuses to exercise....tells me "i'm doing too much with all the exercise and healthy eating, i make wls more complicated then it needs to be"...lately i've just stayed quiet...not mentioning she should eat healthier...or exercise...i finally got to the point…

I am on day 8 post-op and I am having problems with bloating to the point that the area between my breast and my belly button is enlarged. I am miserable. I have only had 1 BM, I had to use a dolcolax supp. then...is this normal? Has anyone else went through this? How long does it last? I have am on a soft liquid diet, which includes yogurt and such consistency. Thank you for your help!

Hi there. I am 3 1/2 weeks post op and always had a little pain around the port area but last night i started getting sharp pain if I move a certain way. I m wondering if this is from bending over and tying my shoes. when I make sure I stand up straight the pain goes away. Did anyone else have this problem? I thought I was doing great as far as pain was considered until this started. I have an appt. for my first fill on Tuesday 6/2 so I hope this don t prevent me from the fill.

i just got home from my lapband surgery on Tuesday May 26, i was kept for a extra day, and oh my god does my stomach hurt, i can bearly keep liquids down. Any suggestions on what to expect on my first week, or what kinds of things i should avoid? thanks for you help.

Hi, I Have been banded since 5th April 2009. I has an empty band until my first fill on May 7th, when I got 4mls put in under x-ray. Result..... no percetable difference. Second fill was 19th May (3ms more), thing is......... I can feel foods goiung down and if I do not chew enough is a bit painful. I have been stuck once on a dryish mothful of sea bass ( not nice) BUT I do not seem to have any restriction as to the amount I feel I can eat. I could (but really do try not too) eat plates full of food and do not feel any different. Am I resticted or not? Do I need another fill or not? Will another fill just mean it is harder to get down some foods like the sea bass story, o…

Hello everyone, I really had not give this much thought but it was brought up yesterday amist some friends while we were talking support once I get my banding. It seems to be all about the Protein after the surgery. How much of what we are going to be ingesting in the weeks to follow will have Carbohydrates in it? It will be enough to substain us right? There has never been any mention of this topic that I could see on the form. I just never thought about how much Carbs are in so many of the other things we eat. For the most part it has been about breads, pastas, etc. Can someone give me a bit of info on this topic? Thanks

I had surgery 4 years ago, and stopped going to the doctor after six months. I have kept off the modest amount of weight I lost, but I have not lost more. I guess I quit going to the doctor because I felt I was failing at weight loss yet again. Things were going so slow. I lost only 20 lbs in six months. I felt that I was trying. Has anyone else had trouble like this? The only other banding patient in my area was easily losing twice what I was. I recognize that we had various differences but found this frustrating.

Hey guys If you are lacking in your bandster mojo today ...or just need some encouraging tales from the trail of one bandster on her way to a skinny new wedding body check out my new blog! I promise to spill my guts to all of you about all the dirty details....and give you strength and a smile for the road.... so join me on my journey.... food is our only comfort...and gradually revert back to our addictions! Well no more Bandster warriors!!!!!! These are OUR days and OUR lives!!! When you wake up in the morning claim today as a good day before it even starts...and even if ....EVEN IF you do sayyyyy eat something wrong....or eat to much ITS STILL YOUR DAY!!! Finish …

:crying: I had my 2nd fill in February with great restriction! Last week I had another fill. Now I have NO restriction!!!!! What could have happened????

Ok so I saw the other post on here asking about when to expect a BM. I have been having them and it's completely different than pre-op. I am assuming it's because I am on all liquids, but my BM is all liquid.....is this something that is normal for this stage....I had two today and one yesterday. Really made me nervous.

Last night I ate a 3 ounces hamburger patty that didn't agree with me. Almost immediately i threw it back up! There was even a little blood in with it. I called my bariatric nurse and she said to not be alarmed and take pepcid ac for 2 weeks and go liquid for 24 hours. About 2 - 3 hours later my eyes looked wierd. They had these red splotches all around them like an allergic reaction. I have never had a reaction to anything. I had not even taken the pepcid yet. My sister is a nurse and she gave me some benedryl and eye drops. I took 2 benedryl last night. This morning it is worse. Same puffy red spotchy around eyes. Now my eyeballs have red blood pools at the bottoms. Has…

Today I discovered that I am unable to eat/digest salad. I am very dissapointed. It went thru me like white on rice and was not fun at all.... Anyone else with this problem?:crying:

OK 5 months after surgery and I have had 4 fills...I have an 11cc band and I have 6 cc in there...when am I going to feel restriction????? I have lost about 40 lbs...but that is only because I go on liquids right after each fill.....HELP

So last night we BBQ steaks and they were lean and I had about 4 ounces went down fine no issues. Well today for lunch I thought I would bring the other half of my steak for lunch with a salad took three bites of steak and threw it all up it was only about 3oz. I couldn't eat anymore. Now I am still feeling it in my chest area. So my question could it be that I am still too tight in afternoon for steak, I did chew well or could it be that body is starting to not tolerate steak? Do most of you tolerate steak. Thanks

Hi Everyone, Its been forever since I have been on here and just wanted to give everyone a status check as to where I am 14 months after surgery. Weight loss is SLOW but my doctors tell me Im doing great. I think everyone want instint gratification and we all know deep down its not the way to go. I started at 257 and Im down to 204 and with over 20" of inches gone. Started at 20 (tight) and im in 14's now. I myself have had over 12 fills and Im finally where I need to be so if you can still eat eat eat, get a fill you wont regret it. I have to contribute some of my weight loss to my spinning classes which im am now addicted to! I go about 3-4 times a week and burn about 5…

i've had 2 fills so far. i'm up to 4ccs in a 10cc band. ive got pretty good restriction right now. if im not at my sweet spot im pretty close. i used to throw up and PB alot but that was mainly my own fault. the small bite thing was something im still mastering, but getting a whole lot better at. i've got a fill scheduled on june 1st. just not sure if i should go or not. my doctors office is pretty busy and i've got a vacation coming up that im afraid of being to tight and sick for it. so if i dont' go now im not gonna go until after my vacations over which takes me almost the middle of july before i could go back. so what do i do? do i reschedule? do i go and have them d…