POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

When did you start to really lose weight? Sure most of us lost some with the pre-surgery diet and some of us have lost some the first few weeks after but when did you "really" start to lose weight?

Hi, I just had my surgery 4 days ago. This evening I stuck my funger in my belly button for no reason at all and I feel something hard in there. I think it's the port but I'm not sure. I dont feel it anywhere else. Did my lap band fall? out of place? Should I go to the ER?

Do ppl need to be aware that we are banded in case of emergencies? I noticed when purchasing a medic alert bracelet for my daughter who suffers from Asthma that you can have 'Lapband /no NG tube without scope" or "Gastric By pass/no NG tube with out Scope" engraved into a medic alert bracelet. Is it necessary? Has anyone come across a medical situation where the EMS needs to be aware of our Bands? Very curious as to what do you's think? Shell

I am three days out of surgery and I am having a terrible time with gas. I can hardly keep anything down. I am afraid I will dehydrate. I feel like everything is coming back up. It there anything I can take or do. I have called the Dr. and they suggested Mylanta. That does almost nothing. I also had a hernia. I don't know if that adds to the discomfort too. Noone told me about this part. I heard you might have some gas after surgery. I was afaid I was having a heart attack the first night. So much pain through shoulders, chest, neck etc. Help please

So I had my surgery on Thursday, May 21st. I feel great. I'm actually at work right now. Just sitting at a desk today, but nonetheless at work. I have already lost 4 lbs and almost no pain. Just soreness. Yay! Any other May Bandsters?

I love my band,I love my weight loss but God how i wish i could sit down and eat a hearty big steak or a big bowl of pasta.I miss my food so much. Dont get me wrong,i dont regret what ive done because eating like that was how i got morbibly obese in the first place,but it doesnt mean i dont miss it. i am so sick of pbing after each meal and things getting stuck and hurting,but i still wouldnt go back to the way i was,im just needing to vent. lol

I purchased the game today. I worked out for 30 minutes. The game came with a leg band and a resistance band. I put in my height,weight,etc..and had to run,box,do squats and bicep curls. In my opinion it is worth the 52 to 59 bucks depending on where you buy it from. I honestly feel like I went to the gym after work.

So, my mom sent this article to me from her diet website. After I reading it I'm really frustrated by the way they portrayed everything. I guess I think that some of this is true and sometimes the truth hurts. My Mom means well, she is being polite about the surgery but I know she does not want me to get it at all. I'm sad because I really don't think she understands me and I"m sure she feels like I don't understand her. She won't even talk to me about it, probably because it hits a nerve every time we do. Anyway do you guys really think that eventually everyone regains in the long run? I really feel like crying now, maybe I shouldn't have told her and found someon…

hi i live in cornwall u.k & had a fill thurs just gone & it is very very tight. i cannot even drink water without it hurting !! i have telephoned my company who did the op & the nearest emergency defill is in london - 12 hour round trip for me : ( please does anyone have any advice ? with it being bank holiday too ?? also what is the situation with me going to the nhs hospital ? will they treat it because i had it done privately ?

Ive noticed alot of people beating themselves up about the amount of weight they've lost so far in there weight loss jouney. I've been guilty of this myself alot lately. And some of us have already lost 40,60 and some even a 100 pounds already. I was putting away groceries yesterday. Well I was putting away a 5lb bag of sugar. Realized how heavy it was. I realized that In just a few months i'd lost the equivalent of over 7 of those bags. It made me really proud of myself. It made me realize that no this isn't happening over night but yes it is really happening. So I guess my point is as long as were trying and losing and no matter at what pace were gonna get there. That…

I still don't know why I got a lap band, one of my friends thought I should and I went along. I faithfully followed the rules the first six weeks and lost 2 lbs. I was having trouble gaining weight during 2008 and not eating anymore than normal. I go to an oncologist because I had kidney cancer Oct 2007. He is trying to isolate my problem. I have been so sick. I have 102.5 fevers since the lap band, now I am having bruises all over my body. I keep having pneumonia and doctors thinks it's because of heart burn during my sleep going into my lungs. I get so horribly sick every 8 or 9 days. The rest of the time I'm better. Just insane. I throw up everything. The last time I w…

I had surgery about a year ago and have lost about 60 pounds. I've only had 3 fills and the fills feel so weird and uncomfortable. Firstly, my port moves so I always end up being stuck a couple of times before they find how to get the needle in it. I had my most recent fill two days ago and I'm just uncomfortable. It seems to be hit or miss as to if anything is going down. I woke up in the middle of the night and couldn't sleep so I took a benedryl with some milk and now I can feel the milk just sitting on top of the band. I know the pill isn't stuck but the milk is just not going down. I long to eat but have learned to hate eating, or rather fear it. Is this norm…

I just had my lapband surgery in Mexico. Dr. Andres Betancourt and Emmaunel Medical staff were wonderful. I was expecting to be treated like a patient, but as soon as I got there I was treated like family. Great experience. The post op pain, I know they can't get rid of that. It's been 4 days since my surgery and I feel ok, except for an occasional striking pain. I've heard it's from the gas and body ajusting.Does anyone have input for me?

I have spent over half my day feeling dizzy. I can't figure out what could have caused it. I eat well, I think I get enough protein. I ran on my treadmill and did some strength training. All normal things for me. Anyone have any ideas? Could I be malnourished? I eat lean protein and lots of veggies everyday.

Hi all, I was banded on the 28th of april. Its been great i am loosing weight feeling fantastic it has been a 100 percent success no problems at all.Not even vomiting one vomit the day after surgery but i think thst was the pain killers. Thae only side effect i have is burping i burp all the time it is a bit annoying but hell if thats the only problem i have had so far i would do it again in a heart beat. Mind you i have yet to have a fill so that is a bit scary heard of those side effects. Oh well what has been your side effects. Good luck everyone

Hi all, My surgery is Tuesday but of course I'm already thinking about a year from now. Is there anything I can do now to help minimize any saggy skin problems? Like extra moisturizer? Or daily exfoliating? I know this sounds like a vain question, but that's been a concern of mine since I first started seriously thinking about major weight loss.

What kind did you get post op? I got Loratab Elixir that is disgusting.

Hi everyone, I'm getting banded in late April but need to fly interstate in mid-May (Melb-Perth ~5 hours each way) and then internationally in early June (Aust-US ~16 hours each way). Does anyone do any regular long-distance flying with their band? Any issues that I need to be aware of? Thanks in anticipation of any advice anyone can give.

I just had my surgery 4 days ago. The first 2 to 3 days I had no desire to eat or even drink anything. But I followed the plan as instructed. Today, I was so hungry that I was in pain. Is this normal. I have never felt like this before. I feel so discouraged. Like if I am this hungry already, how will I be able to do this?

I had surgery on the 18th. I was in a lot of pain at the beginning, but I'm definitely feeling better now. Still, there are a few things I'm concerned about. The first is that I am feeling a strange tightness right around the middle of my chest. Mind you, my port is right around there, so I don't know if that has anything to do with it. Anyway, it's making it really difficult to take deep breaths - almost painful. The second is that I am often dizzy. I've always had some issues with getting dizzy easily, but this is different. It's worse after I wake up or stand up, and it's really bothering me. Any help? :thumbup:

just curious...do medications always have to be chopped up...im 3 weeks post op and have a bad cough..just went to the doctor and he said i have bronchitis and i need to take antibiotiocs...do i still need to cut it in half? do we have to do that forever...what is too big to be able to go down? anyone know--thanks.

So I have this wierd desire. I can't imagine actually eating anything because I am still in post-op pain, but I really want the flavor of tastiness on my mouth...mmm...a cheeseburger popsicle... Anyways, can we eat those sugar-free chocolate popsicles or are we supposed to stick to fruit popsicles? Thanks!

:eek: Over the weekend I had my very first PB. I feel like I've graduated to a true bandster. I took a bite of pizza and started laughing at something and accidentally swallowed and I knew right away I was headed for trouble. My mom who had gastric bypass 6 years ago FREAKED OUT when I first got the food stuck because she thought stuck = stays there forever until you go to the ER and have it removed. Then she freaked out when it all came back! I thought it was hilarious, she thought it was terrifying. You have to have some humor about these things. Anyway, I'm wondering whether or not I should get a fill. I had my last fill 4 weeks ago and I'm scheduled for another on …

hello guys wish you all doing fine with the band... i am 5 months post-op and still sometimes have the sharp lift shoulder pain ... it hurts me a lot even makes breathing hard to me ... i don't know what trigger it... but its really hurts .. i asked my doctor and he said the band irritate the diaphragm ..... so any one of you have experience this pain and how can you deal with it !! ?? :thumbup:

I would love to hear how its going... I have been approved waiting on my husbands approval and we are looking forward to working together on this! Thanks!

Hi - I got banded 9 days ago and I'm still having a considerable amount of gas pain. Did other people have this? I have stopped having milk based Protein shakes and I'm just on the lactose free kind now - 5 a day. I called my doctor this morning and she said to cut the Protein Shakes in half and try having some Soups like chicken noodle. I've been taking 2 gas-x per day and it helps a little bit. Also, how long after surgery are you sore for - weeks or months??

Just curious I was banded on 4/27,and I go in on 18th. Should I expect to see just the nurse, is their a dietician,and how do they determine how much of a fill? I am trying to keep positive,but I am up 2 lbs and this is only my second day of a "regular" diet. I haven't been eating "bad",but not sure what's going on besides I have been getting home late all week and I only had the strength to work out once this week. Anyone have a good workout routine in Killeen,Ft. Hood,or Cove? Thanks

hi all, i had my 4th fill yesterday which took me up to 7 in my band but i am finding it very difficult to even drink water at the moment. when i do take small amounts of water it feels very tight & uncomfortable. i am sipping away all day but it is quite uncomfortable. will this pass or do you think i'm too tight ??? many thanks

Hi, This is my first post. I searched the forums and couldn't find this covered anywhere, but if it has been discussed on end, please just point me to the thread. Anyway, I am in the last month of my insurance-required 6-month diet and hope to be banded in late July. I have been overweight to some extent since junior high. Current BMI is 42.6. My DH on the other hand has always been thin. At least, UNTIL he met me! He is still not fat, but probably is 10 - 20 pounds over his ideal weight. For example, he is 6' tall and wears 38" jeans...he wore 31" to 32" jeans when I met him 9 years ago (probably a bit underweight then) so I take some responsibility for his current…

I have been banded for 7 months and was thinking about doing Weight Watchers. Has anyone tried this? I was just wondering because my dietition said that I needed to be between 12-16 points and my friend, who is doing Weight Watchers, said that is not enough to keep you going everyday. I would appreciate anyone's input!

I only have 5.25 cc but I seem to get stuck A LOT! However, I've only actually PB'd 3 times. But that was b/c I really work HARD to get thorugh my "stuck phases" without PBing. Sounds like I need an unfill but this is the first time that I've actually lost in months! So I'm just curious to see if others feel the sweet spot comes with a lot of "stuck episodes." Sometimes it's because I eat too fast or b/c the bites are too big but most of the time it happens no matter what or how much I eat. Any advice or is anyone else stuck a lot?

Hi, I'm really new on this journey and was wondering: Where exactly the port is located once you have it put in. Is it visible to others through your skin like a pacemaker is? Does it hurt to get fills? How many incisions did your surgeon make? Once healed are they really noticable? Thanks for your time :redface:

I had my first fill today---no pain, no issues, no problem! It was so cool to see the barium on the screen in real time flowing through into my stomach. :cursing: Dr. C put in a total of 4.5 CCs into my band. Im already feeling huge amounts of restriction but not in a bad way. :cursing: I was down another 2 lbs for a total of 26 lbs in 6 weeks! :cursing:

My main problem right now is walking my dog. She is a puppy so is not fully trained not to pull. My friend who has been staying with me is leaving today so then it will be on me. Eek! How long until you were able to bend easily, pick things up, have things pulled on you?

Right now I'm on a high Protein diet/low carb and sometimes I feel like not eating and other times I get a full sensation. Is there a difference pre and post banding of what "full" feels like? Do you just go about your day or do you think about sweets or Snacks too? I have a stomach that can always eat more even when I know I've eaten too much so I'm just wondering how you all do with that feeling after the band. Thanks! :smile:

Ok... so for the last few days, it feels like there's something on my chest. I can hardly get a full breath in, and it hurts if i hiccup. Is this tightness normal? Will it go away? Also, I tried exercise (walking) for the first time today. I could only do ten minutes because of the horrible pain in my stomach. It felt like the stitches were ripping. Is that normal? Is something wrong? Let me know if you've had any problems like this. :thumbup:

Someone posted a cottage cheese and spaghetti sauce recipe. Can you please repost it or link me to the original post? Thanks!

I am a little worried. surgery was May 14th. Doc said watery liquids for 48 hours and then slowly move up from there. I did the 2 days of watery liquids and then progressed by adding soft yogurts, nonfat pudding, and drinkable soups. Yesterday I added some runny creamed corn and a good portion of runny instant potatoes. I had been feeling really hungry and my old ways got me into eating too much I think. At least 2 cups between the corn and spuds. I ate some and waited an hour and then ate some more and then again after another hour becasue I wasn't feeling a fullness. Now I just full stuffed and its been almost 24 hrs. I tried a shake and water today but I can't get mu…

I got my first fill yesterday. The surgeon told me he put in 4 ccs. I can't tell if I really feel anything yet or not. I was only liquids only yesterday and I haven't really eaten enough yet today to see if I have any actual restriction. I do feel something, though. We'll see.

Okay, so I'm an idiot, not really but it makes me smile to say it. I keep seeing people say we have to follow "The Rules" after being banded. What exactly are the "rules." My Dr. did warn me about certain foods not to eat, that I will be eating less once I get filled, and so on, but I don't remember getting a list of rules to follow. I'm a little "crazy" that way, if people say there are rules I want to know exactly what they are. So please everyone, fill this person in.

I was banded on May 11 and feel very good so far. Port incision is still sore, I'm a little hungry but other than that I'm very, very happy with this decision and have shared my story with anyone who will listen. My brothers girlfriend was instrumental in me getting lap band. She had bypass a year ago and lost over 100 lbs. I had always thought about lb and once I got some information I knew it was for me. She has recently had her gall bladder removed which I know is an occurance with either surgery. But I hear her talk about all other kinds of problems such as dumping, thinning hair and now she has low sugar and is passing out. I went on a bypass forum to try to understa…

I've had my band for over a year now. Most days I throw-up after eating, and it's usually at least 3 times a day. However, I have recently been seeing small traces of blood in my throw-up. Has anyone else experienced this? What is the reason for this happening, and is it of serious concern? Thank you, Viki

If you are like me you've been so confused as to what you are supposed to be starting to eat once you got to the mushy/soft stage. I did some research on the net and found a pretty comprehensive list on the George Washington University Medical Center for Weight Loss website. I sent this list to my Dr's office to see if it was what they suggested and basically they agreed, so I thought I would share: Third and Fourth Weeks after Surgery You will advance to small quantities of pureed or creamy foods for each meal. All foods should be the consistency of baby food with no skins, seeds, or solid particles that require careful chewing. Examples are: Cream of Wheat …

I am schedule for a late June banding. I coach high school lessons and private lessons after my teaching job. I mostly feed balls and demonstrate strokes, not much real playing. How long do I have to wait before I can start coaching again? My high school season starts early August.

As you all know we are told to eat chicken,turkey,fish and hamburger. Well I am 5 weeks out from surgery and for some reason I have problems with chicken or tuna. I had my first fill last week and I didn't know if that was the reason. I don't have any problems with ground beef at all. My Nut. said to stay way from chicken because some banders just can't tolerate it. My question to you is then what do you eat. Chicken has always been a main source of protein for me. Are there other meats that I can try? I actually have gotten stuck and that was not any fun at all!! I guess this is a learning process and I will just need to find out what works for me. Any helpful suggestion…

I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO FOR THE PAST 2 DAYS I HAVE FELT THAT THERE IS SOMETHING IN MY THROUT SO I WENT TO MY DOC 2DAY AND EXPLAIN MY FELLING AND TOLD HER THAT I THINK MY BAND HAS SLIP SHE SIAD SHE DOESNT THINK THATS THE CASE AND TOOK 1CC OUT AND SAID IF I FELT THE SAME WAY TO CALL HER 2MORROW I CAN EAT AND DRINK BUT I FEEL THAT THERE IS SOMETHING THERE AND IM SCARED AND DONT KNOW WAT TO DO LIKE SHOULD I GO TO THE ER AND GET AN XRAY OR SHOULD I WAIT FOR TOMMORRW... :cursing:

So today is 6 days post op and I'm not sure if I have gas or pain. My belly is very achy. I also had a hiatal hernia repaired. I'm only getting in about 50 grams of protein per day. Am I hurting my recovery?

Had my surgery yesterday im a liitle sore today but doing well. I had a hernia and it was repaired. I am so glad this leg of the journey is done!

I was out today shopping for a new dress for a wedding. I went into Macy's and was looking at some dress when I see a dress I really like a lot. The colors where great looking on me but here is the biggest news that I just gotta tell some one. I tried on a 20 thinking this was the size I was in but nope so I went down to an 18 and this one was too big as well. So my mom got the same dress in an 16 and it fit! I just could not believe that a 16 actually fit me. I was so happy that I started to dance right in the dressing room. I have not seen this size since my youngest daughter was born in 1986. Yep that is right 1986 over 20 years ago. :tt2: I just had to tell s…

Hi ya'll. Well I just had surgery on Monday and I only have to incisions. One between my breasts and the other looking like it takes up my whole belly button. I would assume that is where my port is but there is a lot of gauze and tape there so it is hard to tell... The obviously is the source of my pain... the other one isn't even noticeable. I have heard so many people say they have between 3 & 5 incisions... anyone else only have 2???