POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

So, went for my third fill today. I was very nervous as the last time he was unable to access my port due to what he says is scar tissue. Same thing happened today. He, of course, said that this is very unusual and has never happened before, but he still couldn't access the port. He is certain the port has not flipped, but he poked and prodded and couldn't access it. So, I'm doomed to wait another week and get the fill done under the fluoro. It will cost me $300. Fortunately, I have the money, but I am very disheartened by this. My mind keeps jumping to...what if the port really is flipped? Or he can't access it even under xray? What will I do then? Will I have to have an…

Hi ! I guess I'm full of questions today. I have Fibromyalgia so when my stress levels fire up ,so do some aches and pains. I was curious if anyone else noticed an improvement with their Fibro symptoms after losing weight ? Thanks!

Yesterday, i found a thread that was stricly before and after photos of the members here. I found it quite motivating to look through. Now I can't find the thread. Can someone please guide me to it? It had about 100 pages of before and after pictures. I'm scheduled for surgery March 30th (or 31'st...i can't remember..but i took the first available date they had). I get the pre-surgery jitters, so looking through those pictures did me a world of good. Please help if you can.....thanks.

I know that may sound like an odd question but I do not have an answer. My problem is that I eat slow and take my time - but eat a good (not very small but much less than I used to) amount of food. Then about 30-40 minutes later I feel STUFFED and most times will not eat the next meal because of it. I do not feel/notice any triggers so do any of you dole out a specific amount, use time limits or any other tricks you could share? I am willing to try anything. THANK YOU!

Just in the last week or so, I've noticed that I seem to be feeling my band around my stomach, something I've never noticed before. The only time I was ever aware of my band was if I ate too much. I'd get a sharp feeling, like a stitch in my side, and a sensation of pressure until the food passed through. I've never PBed, never vomited, have no trouble eating anything at all. I'll occasionally feel slightly stuck, usually with bread or too big a bite of something, but after a minute or two it passes and I can continue eating. This new feeling is pretty much constant. It's like I can actually feel the band squeezing my stomach. It's not painful, not even really uncomfort…

I just want to thank everyone for all their support. I posted a message on 3/3 about how scared I was about this surgery. There were many kind words that helped me. Well my surgery went very good, my doctor likes everyone to stay overnight so I came home Thursday. I feel pretty good. I'm trying to walk to help with the gas pains. Taking pain meds and gas x strips. Drinking and eating is going ok, no hunger. Thanks again!!!

Hello I was banded 3/4 today i am home in I am having trouble breathing? anyone help

Anyone with dry or irritated throat? .... I noticed that since I was banded, my throat feels dry or irritated, it will be normal?, Anyone has feel this....:cursing:

I am 6 wks post op and had my first fill yesterday. The doc numbed the area first then stuck the LONG needle in on first try, no xrays, just feeling around. My question is this...when he went to do the fill he had me drink a cup of water, 3 gulps and then he started to pull the saline out and told me to tell him when the water went down. I guessed at it because I really couldn't feel the water go down??? I am okay today, I really don't feel any different, is this normal. When they gave me the water it was full of ice, I guess so you can feel it better, but no such luck. I didn't tell the doc this. I had no fill during surgery, just got 1cc put in yesterday, on full liquid…

I am wondering if anyone else or how typical it is that after you get a fill you don't notice restriction immediately it is more like 2-3 weeks later? I am in this boat. I mentioned this to my dr yesterday and he said that I am a perfect example of why he is so conservative with his fills because if you don't notice restriction immediately and then get another fill and get restrictions week later it can be too much. So anyone else in this boat? Or am I paddling alone? Maranda

I am about 10 days post surgery. I have been on full liquids since surgery. I have been having a hard time with the protein drinks. They make me feel bloated and nauseous. I am lactose intolerant and most of the protein drinks are milk based. I am currently using Optifast (dry milk base) and Atkins Advantage. Does anyone have a good protein drink that is not milk based? I have only been able to take about 2 protein drinks a day, plus broth, soup, yogurt (surprisingly doesn't bother me) and jello. I haven't felt well and am weak. My doctor told me that I needed more calories and to up my protein drinks!! He also told me that I could start transitioning to mushy fo…

Hi All, I am 3 months post op. I noticed my port can sometimes be tender . It doesn't hurt though. Has anyone else experianced this ? I have also noticed that my port has moved?? My Husband thinks it's because i'm losing weight ??

:blush:I am new to this, just registered. Hello to all. My surgery date was January 29th and I had my first fill on March 2nd. I had nothing in my band from surgery. Is this normal to not feel any different with a fill as to not having any fill at all? I know it has only been a few days and this is not going to be a "quick fix" but I was looking for more results than this and am getting discouraged. I have been thinking that I could have just starved and ate a cup of food at each meal without having to have had this surgery. Any suggestions from anyone??? I was told that I am the only one out of all the patients that has complained of still being hungry.

Hello all. I've been looking at my list of things that i can have to eat 3-4 weeks after my procedure and i'm at the puree part. I really dont see myself putting chicken and in a blender. Can't i just buy baby food?

I was banded 11/08 and had my first "stuck" situation last night. I ate beef cubes made in the crock pot with beef broth - very soft and I even mushed it with my fork. This was the first time I ate beef since being banded. Now I know what "getting stuck" really means!! I was in such pain for over 2-1/2 hours - Not to get gross, but there was sliming involved and then finally it all came up - what a relief. Did I do any damage? I definitely "threw up" (sorry for the bluntness) - I thought you couldn't do this with the band??? Do you think I need to call my doc? Thanks. Kay

hi there, i was banded on Monday and everything went well. I'm on clear liquids and feel a tightening in my chest every so often thruout the day (right in between my boobs, probably where the band is). is this common? it seems if I stretch or breathe deeply it goes away, but it happens quite frequently. has anyone else had this? what is it?

Hi, I just had my first fill since surgery last week to 4cc. I never feel the fullness that I expected. I get a pain with my first few bites and this cues me to slow down and chew more but I never feel full. It has been 2 months since my surgery. I lost about 10-13 pounds between the two week preop diet and about three weeks after surgery but now it is not changing, even with the 4cc fill. Is this normal to not feel full with 4cc?

Can someone please tell me the appropriate amount of sodium a lap bander should get per day. I have started eating Lean Cuisines and my weight loss has slowed...I thought it could be due to the sodium. Any ideas or suggestions?

I had my first fill yesterday...4cc in a 10cc band. After the adjustment, I felt queasy and very gassy. I was only able to finish 1/3 of a protein shake for dinner. Today, I'm still feeling slightly nauseous. I'm wondering if this is normal? Has anyone else felt this way?

I went to the tanning salon last night because I'm low in Vitamin D and there hasn't been sunshine here in the midwest since I don't know when. After I was finished, I saw a strange platform by the wall and asked about it. The girl let me try it out. You stand on it for 11 minutes and move your feet to different numbers when it says. She said that the manager lost nine pounds by doing it for seven days straight. I thought, sure - another gimmick. Well, I've been reading about it and it is supposed to help with all sorts of things - the Russian cosmonots used it after losing bone density in space. It is supposed to improve balance and I have a bad problem with that …

Hi I was banded in 2006 and finally after struggles, I believe I will soon be at my weight goal of 160 pds. I am just wondering is it wise to loosen this band so I can not depend on it no more. I have struggled with it given that I believe the last time I had it filled it was to tight ant have left it like this. Is there anyone that has learned to live without using the tool after reaching their goal? Thanks! Angie

Does anyone know of a support group in or near Riverside, CA? Thanks.

Help, It has been a week and a half since I had my first fill. I have a 10cc band which had 3cc's in it at surgery time, then a total of 5cc's after first fill. I have less ristriction now it seems then before the fill. Is this normal, I haven't gained any weight, but have stopped losing. How long should I wait to see if this fill is working or should I schedule another fill? Any info would be great... Pre-op diet started 12/25/08 weight 304 Surgery Jan 8, 2009 weight 287 First fill total 5cc 02/20/09 weight 269 Today March 4,2009 weight 268

I just had my second fill today. I'm now at 6cc's in a 10cc band. When I came home to drink something I started hearing a gurgling sound. Even eating a yogurt I'm making noise. Does anyone else have this? When I asked the RN she said it was normal and some people make noise when they hit their sweetspot. Will this last forever?

I was banded on Dec.15th and am doing pretty well except after my second fill I can't get alot of foods down. They seem to stick in my chest. I can eat the soft and I mean very soft stuff....cottage cheese, eggs etc. But if I try to eat meat even cut the size of an eraser after two bites I have to wait about 20 minutes for these small pieces to go down. I have had a couple of PB'ing episodes. Help:mellow: What am I doing wrong? I don't want to have any Fluid taken out of the band because I am loosing about 4 lbs a week. Thanks:laugh: Pattie

I mean wife makes you roll down the car window bad. Have been on high protein/low carb since 2 weeks before surgery and of course for 9 days after thus far. Brushing 4x daily is not cutting it. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated by me and those around me. My thanks to all.

You guys were right. Even though I thought it would never happen, it did. I'm a little over four weeks out. I ate whatever I wanted on Saturday and then Sunday I was in bed most of the day with a migraine and didn't eat much and boom - 2 pounds off. I woke up this morning and weighed and another 2 pounds were gone. I also did the vibration therapy yesterday too. Please let this continue for a little while.

I am 2 months post op now. I am down around 30lbs. But over the last few weeks, I am not seeing my lbs drop and I have actually saw it go up about 3 lbs only to eventually come back down a couple. My meals are much more than what I should be able to get down. I have had one fill. 2cc's is all he put in and I was told he would never put anymore than 1cc at a time from here on out. However, when I start to eat, after the first bite or two, I just got to put my fork down and wait for a few minutes till the food gets down and after that I am generally ok to finish eating. I go back to the doctor Mar. 5th and I can get another fill if I fill like I need it. I really do t…

Im interested in the lap band surgury. The only thing that is stopping me is money. I dont have $17,000. I would be paying cash cause i dont have insurance. Would it really be that much? Or more?

Hello all! I was Banded Sept.30th 2008. I've lost about 40 pounds since the surgery, but I have about 65-70 to go to get to my goal weight. I'm excited about my weight loss, don't get me wrong....but I've stalled here at 199.....I've been stalled here for about 3 weeks. I don't understand. I workout with a trainer 3 -4 times a week, I try to stay active in my life, I don't eat sugar, pastas,breads, or potatoes. My only weakness is mayo with my meats. It makes it go down better, but at this point, I'm about ready to stop eating all together. I'm honestly at my wit's end right now.....can anyone help me? It's like it doesn't matter how hard I'm trying. Help!!!!!! :wink…

Hi, Are there any other April bandster getting ready for their surgery. I would love to trade stories with people who are at the same point in the journey as I am. mastrosl

I am taking half of a carnation instant breakfast drink and thinning it out with fat free milk. All together I am drinking 11 ounces at a time. Is this too much?

Like many of you, I got my band to improve my health. I have been on high blood pressure medication since 1996. In December, I had the dosage cut in half and today, my PCP took me off of them altogether!!!!! I feel great and am VERY excited. Just thought I'd share my good news with you all. Taking baby steps to get to mini goals that will help me reach my big goal. Good luck to you all!!!! Becky

I was banded on Jan. 16th and have a question about the amount of food I should be eating. I thought the diet clinic told me that I would only be able to eat 1/2 cup at a time. Well I am eating about a cup at each meal. I have had one episode of slimming (with pain) ate a piece of corn bread, I know that is a no-no, but I just thought I would try it, NEVER AGAIN, the pain was awful until I got rid of the bread! I am still putting everything through the blender to make sure it goes through my band. I am still having some discomfort in my chest area, I think I had a hernia repair but won't know until I see the surgeon for my first appt. next Monday. I have lost 14lbs so fa…

I've finally have reached the point of getting lap band and I am so scared. I have been crying on and off since I came home from work. I talked to my Mom and I can tell she is worried about me and that makes me cry. I was not going to tell her because I knew she would worry, but my family keep saying "you better tell her, what if she calls, that will be really bad" I keep thinking what if something goes wrong, what if I have major complications. I'm crying has I'm writing this message. I am ready to get it done, but right now I wish it was over. Thanks for letting me vent

A question that many people have probably wondered but never asked. How in the world do the people that make food figure out the cals, carbs, and protein that are in it? I wonder this all the time, but still have no answer. Anyone out there have an idea how the determine it?

I'm home and doing well.... the Dr and nurses said that the procedure went really well. and the dr said that my efforts to shrink my liver were not in vain! that i did a "good job". yeah! my operation was at 1:00 and i left the hospital at 8:30 p.m. i'm doing good now. drinking water and crystal light. (fruit punch) which i don't really like. I want the premade and my mom got me the mix. i've made a request for some apple juice when everyone gets home....so my tastebuds are anticipating heaven! lol My pain is not to bad,...just a bit sore. I'm on hydrocodene (15 mls every 4 hrs) and i don't take the promethaqzine anymore..i really didn't need it. i …

Hi! I am 6 weeks post lap band surgery. Sort of had a difficult time as my boyfriend of 22 years died unexpectedly four days after the surgery. I just got tightened for the second time last Thursday and it is now Tuesday and I can eat just about anything I want. Have an appointment next Tuesday for another fill. Getting a little discouraged as I have paid $8,000.00 and didn't expect it to be a "quick fix" but didn't think I would have to diet like I have for 30 years. Anyway, I am hoping that after next Tuesday things will improve. Have a nice day.

I had surgery last Friday. Everything has been going pretty well I think. My incisions are a little sore (mostly the big one) but I haven't had any major gas pains or anything. I am feeling very tired and it hurts to swallow water. It didnt hurt to swallow until yesterday. It doesn't hurt a lot but it feels a bit like swallowing after bad acid reflux or throwing up- very raw and I can feel it going down. I'm just wondering because it didnt feel this way the first few days.

I had my first fill today, it's been 6 weeks since i had my surgery. for the past several weeks, i felt absolutely no restriction. I was supposed to be on a 9oz meal 3 times a day. and i found myself eating way more than 9oz. i was starting to think that my band was a placebo, and i didn't have one. haha. i managed to gain 6 pounds in these weeks. the procedure was, kind of weird. they sucked out all of the fluid and i could feel the band loosen. such a trippy feeling. they added a 1cc, to my already 7cc band. i didn't take my medications before the procedure, so, my nurse told me to cut my pills in half, or grind them. have you ever tasted a ground up m…

Anyone have any info on this? The Cyrstal Light tastes better and makes the water go down better, and the clear water is just, so well, clear water.... Is it bad to drink the Crystal Light?

Hi Everyone~ How long have you been banded?

Hey everyone. Its been a while since I posted or even been back too this site since my surgery, but I realized that I need everyone's support more than ever now. I was banded in July 08 and was doing SO good. I lost about 10 pounds in the first month and then since September....NOTHING!!! Its been 7 months and not one pound...actually I gained about 3! I even canceled my appt with my doctor in January because I was so embarrassed about my weight loss or lack of! I did just bite the bullet and am going back to the doc next week. I have had 3 or 4 fills but I just can't seem to get it together food wise. I am eating 1/2 of what I used to eat but have compensated with…

Did anyone have Lapband and Gallblader surgery at the same time

I am six weeks post op and have an appt with my surgeon in 2 days. I saw him a month ago and he said he wasn't sure he would do a fill in six weeks. I was loosing the weight really well but now things have slowed down and I get hungry more often than I should. I can eat a regular size meal, and within 2-3 hours I am hungry again. But once in a great while I will sit down to breakfast and fix me an egg with one slice of toast and can't finish it, too full. It seems like my band is NOT working during the evening meal! Any ideas out there for what I should do in 2 days, to fill or NOT???????? By the way I have lost 22 pounds in 6 weeks! I've got about 60 - 70 pounds to go..…

Ok I am one week post op today, and for the last 2 days I feel like I have food stuck in my throat, I have only eaten soups and a little bit of applesauce. It does seem to go away for a little while but then returns, now i have the feelin since early this afternonn with no relief. I tried to bring it up but got nothing but clear mucus and thats it. Help, what is it and what do I do?

Hi all, I am 3 years post band and have kept off 70 lbs., although I should lose approx. another 70! Anyway, I have a question. After banding it was hard to burp, and if I did, it was a real small kind of burp, not like before. Now, I am having issues with belching. It is becoming more and more frequent and especially when I lie on my left (stomach) side. I have not had this happen before and I am wondering if maybe something is wrong. Has anyone had this same problem?

I am 24 hours post op and I have been in extreme pain all 24. I came into pacu with the shoulder pain already so bad I was crying. I have a high pain tollerence I've had 3 c-sections and only took maybe one lortab for each on the first night. I also have had my gallbladder out and have had the normal shouder pain. This is different!!! I hurt so bad I can't get relief. I also have incision pain and distention bloating. Oh my god I can't believe I did this to myself. I put a call into my doctor but he hasn;t called back. Was anyone else this miserable?

Today my wife was finally approved for her band, it made me reflect on my experiance thus far with my band(banded 9/17/08. I am 31yrs old, so being active is important to me, that was my motovation. so far I have lost 107lbs. My secret is excersize and math. I say math because I track my calories burned through excersize and weights and make sure that it is more than what I bring in. I try to lose about 4 pounds a week. for me this is the easiest way. No soda was hard but the best thing for my health.I have trouble eating bread and pasta. Refied beans are great, so is soup. It has been a huge change, but a great one. My weight was my problem, but with some medical interv…

Hi Everyone, I was banded on 2/17/09, had first doctor's visit today and so far have lost 10 lbs. I will have my first fill 3/30/09 the day after my birthday. Well I don't know just how good this is but I guess they say you don't want to lose it too fast and I guess in this situation a loss is better than a gain, so I'm satisfied with it. Okay and just to let everyone know I am happy about the fill but I am terrorified of needles. So is there anyone with some comforting advice on this. It will be greatly appreciated. Will update again soon, thank again for everyone support