POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I was banded 9/23/08 and went to the doctor yesterday for my third fill. I told him that I just don't have any restriction and after talking to some others that have been banded longer than me they also felt I did not have restriction. He informed me that I have an APL 14cc band and that I knew he gave fills cautiously and I still had a long way to go before I was at my max and actually would probably never need to be filled to the max. I have lost 36 pounds so far but to be honest, it is due to me dieting, not really the band. And I am scared because the 100+ other times I have dieted this is about the point that I always blow it! Before the fill yesterday I was at …

I made a protien shake last night for dinner and threw in a few black berries and 1/2 bannana...IT was totally blended and able to sip through a straw...is this ok to have post op on a full liquid diet?? my mom is trying to tell me nothing that contains seeds, or makes your band work....but smoothies are on the full iquid diet??

Okay, gals... I have one thing to tell you: that Wii Fit i AMAZING! I "go to the gym" every day now!!! It's like having a trainer, gym, yoga instructor and motivator all in one (at at home!). It's amazing and I've lost 5 pounds already from it. I love my Wii fit! Plus, it helps with the constipation, for ome strange reason. Anyway, another plus is that when I get food stuck, I do Yoga (the downward facing dog position) and it goes away instantly!!! (up or down lol). It's the best!!!

Hi all - I was banded on the 19th Dec and have had 2 fills, one of 4cc's and one of 1.5cc's and I'm scheduled for another fill next week. Here's what I want to know... what does restriction - the sweet spot - feel like when you eat?? I've had a couple of minor 'stuck' episodes when I eat something too quickly or without chewing properly, but each time, I just wait a couple of minutes, and it goes down. I'm finding that I'm a little bit less hungry than I used to be, but I can still eat a big meal - I've had big huge salads, I've had sushi dinners with rice, I've eaten a 1/2 bagel with lots of tuna salad on it. My weight loss is slow - and only happens when I real…

Well, I had my first appt with the doctors today, and I'm scheduled for surgery for March 9th!!! YAY!!!:crying:

Hi there I need some advice i got banded on Jan 28 and i'm lossing weight and i do feel restriction. The only problem is i have had to kinda attacks of muscle spasm in my stomach around were my incisions are and it gets to the point that nothing is comfortable i cant sleep sit or anything! I have taken a gravol in the pass and it has helped. I have just been back to work for 4 day so could that be the problem i went from not using those muscles to using them????I'm a support worker so i do alot of lifting??? Please any advice would help...by the way i'm at the mussy stage!

Hi all, Ok- so I am not sure if this is still the 'honeymoon phase' I've read about, or the band, or just psychosomatic, but I have no appetite. Keep in mind I am a food addict and could finish two plates of food and keep going normally; whether I was hungry or not. I have been cooking for the family and still sticking to my pureed stage (yogurt, pudding soup) until I see the nutritionist tomorrow and get the ok for the mushie stage. I feel like I have gone from one extreme to the other, it's driving DH crazy and now he is on food patrol with me constantly trying to get me to eat something. On top of it all, I wrote in a previous post, I lost my 'taste' for coffee. …

I had my first fill today, 3 cc's! I was so nervous about the needle, but it was nothing...a little prick and stinging from the numbing agent and then I didn't even feel when my Dr. did the fill. All said and done it took about 3 minutes. Plus I am finally under 400 lbs!!! Woohoo, not by much but I'll take it! Over all its been a great band day! :rose:

I thought I understood how my band works, but now I am confused... I thought that the band works by creating a small stomach that fills up when you eat, and so you feel full and satisfied and eat less. And that the food slowly goes through the stoma (the new opening from the band) into the stomach and is digested and passes through the intestines as prior to the band. That's what I understood. But, if that's all true, then I don't understand why food gets stuck. When I eat something that doesn't go down, it hurts, and stops right at the stoma. When I asked my doctor why it hurts, he says it is too big to fit through the stoma, so it gets stuck. It isn't getting st…

OK, I had surgery almost 5 years ago, never thought about checking out a web site such as this for help, but here I am, and glad I found this place. Live in a small town, Dr over an hour away, and just thought this was the way my life was going to be from now on. Participated in support group following surgery for about a year, but after that, I have been on my own and very frustrated. As are my family members...I have lost 107 pounds, but still have about 30 or 40 to go, fills were always tough for me, my stomach must fluctuate on an hourly basis, and I would go days after a fill without being able to even swallow water, eventual, things would change and I could begin ea…

Hi Everyone, I had my surgery on November 3rd of 2008 . I have lost 25 pounds since the surgery and I am very pleased but yet,I still think it should be more. Am I being just plain silly. I know everyone is different but I can't help but be greedy with my weight loss lol. I've had only one fill ,which is on January 8th and so far,I don't feel like I need another one. My weight loss tends to be sporadic,for example i'll go a whole week without losing anything and then i'll be down 2 pounds the following week. I am exercising on average of 4 to 5 times a week which I probably should kick it up a notch but anywhoo,to all you experianced bandsters,does this seem normal? T…

Hello all, this is my first post. I was banded in July of 2008. So far I have only lost around 15 pounds. I have hada few fills. Since my band, I have had great restriction in the morning and it seems to be getting worse. By the evening I can eat without troble. If I drink something hot it seems to help. I am worried because I am not losing much and I get this severe pain in my port area. please any help or advise anyone may have would be greatly appeciated.

Hello everyone!!! I am new to the site and am 5-6 days post opt. I am doing pretty well my spirits are high and adjusting to the restricted diet of liquids. I wanted to know if anyone knew anything about a burning sensation near the port site. I have my normal soreness especially if I am too active. But I also get an occasional burning feeling wear below the incision for the port. Wasn't sure if this was normal or if I should call my doctor. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks:mellow:

Hello: I am still trying to find my way around. Thank you to the people who responded yesterday. I will take some time today to read the directions to this site - after I stop crying and feeling sorry for myself! I thought the time between the operation and the first fill was when the band was totally open. However, I feel as if a golf ball is stuck in my throat. Is this normal? I have not deviated from the post op diet except to eat some yogurt yesterday because I mixed it with my blood pressure meds - per nurse instructions. I need to take my anti-depressant to regulate the crying jags, however, am afraid to try. I am hoping to return the case of Isopure that I …

Hi all. My surgery is on 2-19 and I have to take a short flight on 2-23 for a 2 day meeting, then fly back. I'm wondering if anyone has had to do something like this and what was the effect? Thanks much.:thumbup:

Banded mid Dec, had 3 cc in at surgery , md put in another 2 , a few weeks ago, I feel restriction for a couple of weeks then Im hungary . I have a 10cc band, started out at 200lbs have lost about 20 lbs. Is this normal to feel it for 2 weeks then not ? How long to reach the sweet spot Im I being impatient?

My husband and I loved to go out to dinner and we did almost every night after we got home from work. This surgery is going to be a life style change for both of us. He has been very supportive even to the point of going on the liquid diet with me for two weeks. What I would like to know is post-op what restaurant foods are better tolerated? Any suggestions? Surgery date 20 February 2009 Thanks, Bingo-B

Hello, everyone! Well this is my very first time to be a member of a community! I really wish us all to be brave, strong, motivated and last, but not least very HAPPY! Im really thinking about getting this procedure done, I havent an appointment yet, but thats the smallest problem... The most thing, that Im afraid of, are the scars! I really dont need more scars, next to my strech marks! I heared of a new procedure, does anyone had such a lap band? I live in the middle east, I might go to India of the States, if someone can help me And what is the cost for this kind of surgery? Can I loose fast weight with this surgery? Because I have been in a fat reduction h…

As most of you (those who read my post regularly) know, I got my band in August on 08. I have had troubles with restriction. I am on my 4th fill now and finally have the restriction that I have needed all alone. Up until this past Wednesday, I wasn't hardly losing any weight and what weight I was losing, I had to lose with self control. I have a 14cc band and I have have 9cc in it so far. I thought until my last doctors visit, the band was going to be another one of those things I have tried and it just wasnt going to work. When I weighed in at the doctors office, for the first time, I weighed 267lbs. I lost 15lbs the first 2 weeks after getting my band and I was …

I am looking to get the band "off label", and have a "low" BMI of 31 so my insurance won't cover the surgery. I am wondering, If there are complications afterwords, swelling, infection etc and I need an adjustment, would my insurance cover that? Thanks!

I need some help with what the feeling of full is? I am almost at 4 weeks out and I am getting hungry at times. I am trying to keep at 1000 cal. I hear my stomach at morning and at night, sounds. I think they are coming from the bottom of stomach?? When I have my meals I can easily finish 1-2 cups and sometimes feel still hungry. I stop and wait, but then about hour later I go for a snack, pudding or yogurt, something. I have read posts regarding the feeling a full sensation, described as "cant eat more, cant finish meal". I dont ever feel that way. Maybe I am not paying attention to my body, hunger? Maybe I am still stuck on my old eating habits.....eat eat eat til…

I went to my support group and for the first time and they all started talking about Dry Roasted Edamame. Ofcourse I had to ask what the heck they were talking about, because I never heard of such a thing. The group filled me in on their little secret and I drove over to the store to get my own. Over all I have to say I've very pleased with this product. Very healthy product and seems to keep me from not being hungry for long periods of time. Warning: Eat this stuff very slow, its easy to get over full. Here is a link to the manufactures web site. Seapoint Farms Hope this helps someone else as much as it has helped me.

I notice this has been happening quite a bit lately! I get really nervous eating out with friends because everyone is eating so fast and I get "nervous" that they are going to notice I am taking my sweet time! Last night I ordered a cup of soup- hoping the warm broth would open me up a little so I could eat without any problems, but then my dinner came (1/4 rotisserie chicken, vetables and mashed potatoes) AND I totally pbed from one bite! I was extra careful to chewing- but I just get so nervous! By the time I was done with my Soup broth- they were done with their meals and by the time I was out of the bathroom it's even MORE awkward because I have to get a to go box…

So you've made your goal weight, exceeded your goal weight, had PS to correct any sagging, happy, healthy and forever committed to eating right and exercising. Free surgeries are being offered to REMOVE your band, do you take it out, do you leave it in and why.

For two days I've had a persistent cough due to cold, I constantly asked if the cough can cause band slipage or damage to my band. I'm afraid that cold affect my band...:thumbup:

Assuming no complications and assuming i dont have to be cut open... how soon can I go back to work? Let me clarify...I work from home, on a laptop from my Sofa (I wonder if this has something to do with my Phattyness haha). My plan is get surgury on a weds, then start working from the sofa or even bed by Monday. Am I being realistic?

Did anyone go home with a pain relief system in place? Something to deliver meds for 2-5 days attached to a catheter that had to be removed by you or the doctor?

Hi all, I've been under anesthesia 4 times, and everytime I get horribly sick! I throw up and dry heave for a good hour or two after I wake up. The hospital always gives me that citrus flavored antinausea stuff, but it never helps. Any one experience this, or have some tips for me? I'm getting banded tomorrow morning and that's the only thing I'm pretty nervous about.:smile:

I had my surgery over a year and a half ago. About 8 months ago I had a severe chest pain right at my sternum. The first one lasted about 3 hours. It is like someone takes a clamp and just squeezes, I take a vicodin (doesn't help). Emergency room the first time said a stomach spasm, not a Gastro doctor. Since then I have had many episodes like this, lasting from 1/2 to 2 hours long. I can feel it come on about 1 minute before it starts and know it is going to happen and when it's over it is almost instant. Sometimes it happens after I eat about 15 minutes later, sometimes a couple of hours after I eat. Sometimes after I drink something cold. I have Fibromyalgia and IBS. I…

I was banded two days ago and have now developed a rash all over my stomach. Has this happened to anyone else?

I will be 3 weeks post op on Friday the 13th, and yall I am so damn hungry. I have been eating the full liquid diet (yogurt, cream soups, jello, etc.) but they are not enough. I don't have my first fill unitl March 9th. I am craving salad so bad. The funny thing is that I don't crave the sweets, or junk food that I use to eat ever so faithfully before surgery. I crave all the healthy foods but dont know if I can have them. Salad is my favorite "healthy food" to eat and I want some so bad. Do you think I can eat some, even if I chew it up really good. I'm afraid that when I get my first fill I won't ever be able to eat salad because I've heard all the horror stories of som…

How long from your first appt. till you have surgery? I saw for some, it took 6 months...I'm really hoping I wont have to wait that long :thumbup:

I was banded Feb 6th and everything has been going as well as possible. Ive lost weight but as of yesterday I have the feeling of being light headed and a racing heart. I went to the store last night to get some Miso Soup. I was feeling fine before hand but after I walked the 13 blocks back and forth and started to feel VERY light headed and my heart felt like it was beating out of my chest. I could lightly touch my chest and feel every heart beat. When I am still and not doing anything everything is fine but when I start to do something I can feel my heart start to rev up. I saw my doctor today and he said that being light headed might be because im not drinking…

I was banded 2 1/2 weeks ago. Every time I bend over or if I'm squating and I come up to a standing position, I get dizzy. Is this normal? I am eating 1.5 oz of protein three times a day and taking my vitamins. Does anyone else have this problem?

Just a question I just had my second fill yesterday and I'm also sick with a bad cold.Was it not a good idea to get the fill while being sick? I have been feeling really bad all day.I feel pretty tight but can still get fluids down.Any advice??:thumbup:

I went to my first post op appointment and they were very pleased with my progress. I'm down 15 pounds since surgery. It was decided that I did not need a fill today because the doctor put on a band that fits snugly, so I actually have restriction right now, just with the band itself. :thumbup: I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. I have an appt scheduled in 2 weeks in case I need a fill, but the NP said that if I am still doing the same progress, I can cancel and schedule it for another 2 weeks out (or whenever I need it). They seem like they are very open to the patient's opinion on whether or not they need a fill. She also said that you have to wait 2 weeks betwee…

I had my adjustment yesterday. I weighed in at the doctors office at 229.5 pounds. I weighed myself just a few minutes ago and it showed 224 pounds. My scales always say the same as the ones at the doctors office. Is it possible that I have actually lost 5 pounds since yesterday morning. I haven't been able to eat anything and I have very little liquids.

I wanted to check in with anyone else who got banded Jan 16th. How are things? Having any troubles? Share your success! I just got home from getting my first fill. It was such a good experience. It didn't hurt at all, which I was glad about. I have a 10cc band and the Dr put 3cc's in. He told me my weight loss so far is great and that I'm doing great. So I'm on liquids today, then mushies tomorrow. They had me drink a bottle of water (I could only drink half though) in the office before I left and it was a little hard at first but got easier. I'm sure everyone is doing great! Keep up the good work!! :biggrin:

i am 13 days banded and meant to be on soups only and tonight i dont know what happened but i ate a packet of twisties that my son hasd lieing around.It was like i was possesses or something and i just couldnt help myself,now im worried about my band and my weight.I feel sooo bad:cursing:

And feel like crap. The gas never left my torso to my shoulders (I guess that's good) but my torso is really hurting, I can even get up from chairs without it hurting really bad. Also, getting nausea alot so have to take these pills. This is the first I've been able to post. How long will I feel this way? I know its different for everyone, just hoping for some light at the end of the tunnel. Oh, also haven't been eating/drinking much, just sleeping...which is bad, I know. I try to walk but get so exhausted. :thumbdown:

I am two week post-op. I was looking at my big incision and I messed with a scab and it came off..pretty easy...anyway now there is a hole there! I am freaking out. Its not bleeding but I am worried it won't heal or it might make the rest of the scar rip open. I think my doctor only used the glue. Is this going to be ok anybody know?

I've heard hair loss is common after WLS. Well, I'm about a month out, have lost 15 of the 50lbs I want to lose... and have started to notice hair on the counter, in the sink, on my clothing. My hair is not visibly thinner, but I'm starting out with lot of it. I'd like to know what to expect... do people see their hair get noticeably thinner? Is the hair loss often severe? Or is it just a bit more than usual rates of shedding? Is it less with less weight loss? Thanks.

Hi, I had my surgery 10/21 and I have lost 45 pounds! Which is great but over the last month I haven't lost any weight. I'm not sure if I need another fill or not but I struggle with my head a lot! I will eat and I feel satisfied but my head wants more and more. Sometimes I can eat and till I'm STUFFED....a feeling I haven't had in MONTHS. Sometimes I can't. I'm afraid of getting another fill because I'm not sure I need one because it's my head. I feel like I'm loosing control and motivation. I've been sneaking See's! I guess I'm putting this out there for accountability, I need to be accountable for this and I need to get my self in check.

I was banded on 9-22-08. I had lost 35 lbs and now I have gained back about 2-3.:biggrin: I am supposed to go the Dr for the monthly check up ( I am ashamed to go since I have gained the 2-3 lbs). I had my first fill on 11-11-08. I can eat more than the 1/2 to 1 cup of food I can eat more like 1 1/2 to 2 cups. I have been able to eat that much for about 3 weeks now. Depending on what I have eaten I will get hungry in about 2 1/2-3 hours. I will admit that for the last few weeks I have not exercised. I am not lying when I say no time. The company I work for has had mandatory overtime I have been working about 50-55 hours for the last month and then I go to school full time…

This is meant to help and inform - it certainly is not meant to scare anyone. I would still have the band. At 170ish (I lost about 10 lbs through this) I feel so much better, I run faster, I am much healthier, etc. To see the start of this thread see this thread: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f178/major-distress-dont-know-if-band-related-87649/ I thought I would post this under a more descriptive title. IF you get a GI bug and you are banded. There are a few things to think about: 1. In and of itself, a GI bug may do nothing more than make you miserable for a few days. You may not see any issues with your band. We are all so different from band to band…

It started last Friday. I had lunch with some friendsbut I had already eaten as had one of my friends,so we split a Butterscotch malt. IT was pretty sweet. As soon as I hot back to my office I had diarrhea. Came home, a few more bathroom runs and went straight to bed. Saturday morning I still had some rumblings and did not keep my standard bowl of Cereal down. Since then, nothing, not even Water, is staying down. It felt like more than just being stuck - I thought maybe I had a stomach bug. I went to my GP, not very band savvy, and based on my symptoms, he too thought bug. He gave me a scrip for phenagrin. I could not take it as it would not stay down. Y…

Hello everyone - I had a funny experience today and thought I would share with the group. I was at work and yesterday was really the first day since surgery on January 27th that I was feeling like I was back to normal. I still have tenderness where I can feel the port but otherwise, all is well. So today I walk into the break room to get a refill on my coffee before I needed to dial in to an hour-long conference call. I noticed a container on the counter and realized our resident baker had brought in a few dozen valentine Cookies. Without even a thought, I grabbed a napkin and put a cookie on it and returned to my office. I dialed in to the call, sat back and broke …

What kind of protein shakes are good for you?

I keep seeing people say they can eat 1/4 cup of food or 1/2 cup or 3/4 cup- does this mean the chewed up version -kind of picturing our stomachs like a mesauring cup! what does this look like before it's all chewed up and it's on our plates?

I have been asking my dr (& others) about this, but no one seems to know what I am talking about. Is anybody else out there able to take a deep breathe, slightly move your chest & make the food fall through to the stomach? I had my surgery almost 2 years ago & have only lost about 45 lbs because I am able to cheat! (Well, that & my love for margaritas!) I kept thinking that if I just had more fill that I wouldn't be able to do it anymore. Well, that didn't work either. My band ended up too tight & that caused MAJOR problems. After 3 weeks to heal with no fill, dr filled me back to about 4 ccs today. I suspect after reading a lot of stuff that my over…