POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I am having my first fill on Thursday! I definitely need it! Over the past week I have been able to eat A LOT more than before then. What can I expect with the first fill????

Hi all, I was banded 1/16 and have moved from the clear liquid phase to the full liquids (protein shakes mostly). But I can't even have water without feeling like I have indigestion. Truly it hurts all the time, in the area below my breasts right in the center. I don't seem to have a problem going to the bathroom, but I can't get out a burp...they just won't come out even though they want to...and it hurts! Is this still gas and bloating? I saw my doc on Friday and he said everything looks good and that I can start to exercise. But I'm still so tired I was out of breath walking the mall this morning. Any suggestions on relieving some of the pain, or just confirmation tha…

Hello Everyone, It has been a while since I have posted. I got my band in June of 08 and have lost 60#. Three weeks before my band surgery I had a knee injury. Long story short, I couldn't even walk-sleep-sit without pain. I had a scope done on my knee this past Dec. to repair a torn medial meniscus and found out at that time I need a total knee replacement due to arthritis and being overweight for so long. I can barely walk let alone exercise. I have not had a fill since late Nov. I just got back to work. I have made a Feb 5 appt. for another fill but I am extremely worried about my weigh in. I have been eating ~ eating ~ eating. I am in tons of pain and am quite depres…

Hey, I was just wondering if coughing hurts the band? What I mean is almost every year I get bronchitis (no I don't smoke)and it causes me to cough a lot. also what happens if you get the flu or a stomach bug and throw up a lot will that cause band slippage? I never get the flu but my luck I will after I get the band. lolo.

Hi Everyone- I was wondering if there was anyone in this forum that is insulin resistant. If so has it made losing the weight a slower process. I was told that I am insulin resistant but I am not diabetic. I was not sure how this will effect my weightloss. Thank You in advance for replying. Jen

I'm getting my first fill today since I was banded on 12/16. I was wondering if you feel any different after you get a fill? Does it hurt?

I know people complain of PBing and vomiting after surgery, but I am two years out and still doing it all the time. There are some days when I will throw up ten or more times. My doctor did a test and said I have not slipped. But, how can I live like this? Am I the only one? Lois 278/162 5/31/06 Lap Band Problems

I would really like some information from those of you who have already had the surgery in regards to excess skin from the weight. I know that the health benefits are greater than the issue of excess skin, but I have to be honest and say that it has definetly crossed my mind a few times here in my pre-op stage. My surgery is set for 2/5/09.

Since my surgery, I have not had too much to eat. I am doing an ovalatin drink in the morning, but other then some crystal lite ice tea and a little broth, I am not hungry at all. Is this OK or normal? I still feel like I have a little gas pain, but not too severe.

I was banded on the 23rd and I recieved a lot of ideas from everyone on how to get this excess gas out and I'm doing a lot better. I've been walking around more too. I tried to start a protien shake today, but got only 3 sips down before it upset my tummy. It seems the only thing that I can stomach is crystal light and chicken broth. Did anyone else have this problem? How did you get your protien in? Also, since I expelled a lot of the lower gas pockets I feel the pain of the incisions more and if I sigh or take in a deep breath, I think I'm feeling the band on my stomach. Is this just my imagination and might be due to a gas pocket? So, many questions, I know.

Has anyone gone back to liquids for a jumpstart to a fresh start? I have been pretty much unfilled for the past 2 months due to gall bladder issues. At least that is what I am writing it off for. Anywho, I had my gallbladder out and have been eating pretty much anything and everything I want to... I will say I can't eat the quantities I used to, but I have DEFINITELY been eating the wrong stuff. I wouldn't be surprised if I gained several pounds back... I see the doc. on Friday for a fill. Should I do liquids until then to get back on track or just pick up tomorrow like nothing has happened and go back to eating the right way? Thanks in advance! JayJay

I had my surgery on Monday, January 12th and I feel good for the most part with one exception. If I do too much walking I have a sharp pain in both of my sides and not necessarily at the same time - kind of like a runners cramp but worse. When I stop and think about it, it seems like it's about the position of the port on one side and about where the band is located on the other side. Has anyone else experienced these pains? I'm wondering if it's because I'm internally bruised or if it's just gas rolling around in there. How long will it be before there is no pain/discomfort? Also, I was wondering if anyone else has experienced a popping noise from the site of th…

Ok I was banded almost a year ago. I have a few questions that I've tried to address with my doctor, but he always seems to talk in circles and I'm still confused when I leave his office. So I decided to come here and get everyone else's input. I want to know if my lapband experience has been normal. 1.) Did everyone get a fill every 6 weeks? I was scheduled to visit the doc every 6 weeks for checkups and ended up getting fills everytime b/c my restriction seemed to only last about 4 weeks. 2.) Did anyone reach their maximum limit in their band at the end of the first year or before? I have a 14cc band and I now have 10cc in it and he said that most people can't…

When did you start to feel hunger post op? Did the hunger feel different? I was banded 1/19, and over the past 2 days I've started to feel more sensations that feel something like what I used to consider to be hunger. Does hunger feel different? I have yet to feel anything that feels like what I used to call hungry, but I do feel something else.

I am wondering hoe alcohol is tolerated after the la band surgery. I'm not a lush but I do enjoy going out and have drinks with friends. I know that alcohol has many empty calories but other than that ha anyone had any complications with alcohol and the lapband?

Hi, im new to the forums. I have a question about how much water to consume. I am 20 days post op and my doc is not giving me a clear answer, or im not explaining it correctly. Since having the band im having a problem on how much water to consume before eating. When I drink it goes through the band and goes to my stomach. I get confused on where I feel full from. So when I drink water, I feel full in my stomach and then I get scared to eat because I feel full already. So my question is how much water did you guys drink before a meal?

Out of curiosity, how much time goes by between when you swallow and when you feel the food getting stuck? I'm just beginning solid foods and was wondering how long I need to worry before I know I'm safe. :confused:

Banded 3 days ago 1/22/09 BMI 56 384lbs at Xmas. Date of surgery I was 362 from Full & Clear liquids. On Full again with alot of rumble and girgle(embarrasing) drum solos, and liquid goes right through, I might as well eat sitting on the toilet,(sorry)

I am at a plateau, and have been for about two weeks, while eating 800-1200 daily. I was wondering, how long was your longest plateau while dieting (not cheating, exercising, trying really hard to lose)? By the way, I am about 5 weeks post op.

I was fine at the hospital and did not feel the nausea, but yesterday and this mornig that is all I feel. I have the feeling that I just want to vomit! Did anyone else have this? I am still struggling with the gas pains in my shoulder and back and neck as well. This biggest complaint I have though is nausea and it is rough! Help!!

So I've been reading about what happens to fat when it is used. Amazingly I never really knew where the fat went when I lost weight. My understanding is that the fat cell remains. When certain hormones are release the fat cell empties its contents of fatty acids into the blood stream to be used as energy. One of the byproducts of this is GAS. If this is correct, that explains why I feel like my doctor installed one of these.

I am due to be banded on Monday the 19th. The nurses at the Doc's office report that most people don't want to eat for a couple days after the surgery and have to remember to drink some broth. I'm interested in what you all have experienced. After 11 days on the pre-op liquid diet I could certainly appreciate some relief from the gnawing in my stomach.

I'm having issues getting in much protein at all. I'm drinking carnation instant breakfast with 8oz of milk once a day and that's it. I've never tolerated milk very well and I HATE chocolate and can't find the no sugar added vanilla carnation. Anyway, I've tried Isopure and Unjury and some different protein shakes and I despise them all. I feel like with protein powder and protein shakes I might as well be taking a bite out of the living room rug. Does anyone have any other suggestions for getting in protein during the full liquid phase?

:tt2: I am starting to get totally confused. I had surgery 1/14/09 and was given a packet of information regarding post-op diet. I also had to attended two seminars and one long meeting with a dietitian concerning post-op diet. All of the info I recieved has me already on soft food, but I keep reading people being on a full liquid diet for almost a month. I have followed my doctors plan to the "T", but now am wondering if the info he gave me was the best. I saw him on Monday and he told me that by the weekend I would be able to eat almost anything I wanted but don't. To eat healthy and small portions and to chew my food really really well. He said that I wouldn't h…

I was wondering how long you can go with just having a few calories per day. I know some people stay on liquids for up to 5 weeks and that is so few calories. I am on mushies now and am getting less than 500 cals per day. I got scared yesterday because I was up one lb...then today I was back to where I was before. So, my question is...How long until "starvation mode" and you quit losing? Also, if I'm not hungry...I shouldnt be eating right? 'cuz that is the point of the band....

This is my first post. I have gotten a lot of useful information from this site. That is why I decided to make this post. I am so discouraged. I was banded 12/02/2008. I lost 22 pounds the first two weeks. Since that time I have not lost anything. I am wondering if this is just another failed attempt to lose weight. Have others felt this way and did things turn around for you?

HI, I was banded Dec.23 2008 did great first two weeks.Then the hunger hit called my doctor he decided to fill me at four weeks Jan 21,2009.I had my fill and ate 8oz. of fish that evening.I am still starving what do I do? I have gained 7lb since surgery I am so frustrated.

I was wondering if any of you drove right after surgery? I mean like getting out of the hospital and driving right then. Is this ok? I have a very supportive family most of the time but for some reason I cant get anyone who can come with me for my surgery which is 2 hours away from me. I was thinking that I might stay the night in the town and then drive the 2 hours the next day to get home. Is this an ok idea or just a bad idea?

Hey all, i've been experiencing severe pain.. and i went to the dr. and he said nothing was wrong.. so when it happened again i ignored it. then the third time i couldnt take it anymore so i called my dr. and he referred me to another dr. when i finally saw him.. he made me go to the hospital where i find out i have gallstones in my gallbladder and have to have it removed.. well i dont see why my dr. didn't know this before.. and had it removed at the same time.. so now i have to suffer with this pain until my insurance approves it and i can get it removed.. im so scared its going to burst inside me and kill me or something.. :tongue::confused: has anyone else experienc…

When can the steri strips come off? They are curling up at the ends and driving me nuts! :thumbdown: Also, can I use lotion on my belly - it's very itchy!?!

I was banded on December 22, 2008 and have done pretty well on the post-op diet. I mainly sticking to liquids and soft foods with just a few exceptions. I feel like all of the swelling is gone and that I am operating on sheer will-power, which I have none of. (Thats what got me to the point I'm in). My first fill is scheduled for February 2nd. I have noticed that so many others have lost a significant amount of weight in this time and I have lost very little. I am finding that I am hungry all the time recently. Is it normal for the frustrated feeling at this point?? My Doctor is in Mexico so speaking to him regularly is out of the question. Any helpful suggestions..…

Hi all, I was banded on 1/12, and for the past couple of days I have been having a weird taste in my mouth. Is that a sign that I am dehydrated? Also, I am craving tomato sauce...there must be some kind of Vitamin in there that I am lacking! At lunch today I was a bit worried, because I drank a whole cup of cream Soup, and was hungry two hours later. (Yesterday I could barely finish half a cup.) So, I ate two tablespoons of sugar free Jello and I feel like it is stuck or something. Am I supposed to chew up the jello until it is liquified? My post care instructions don't address chewing until I get on solid foods so I didn't think I had to watch out for jello.

Haven't written in a while but I am 6 months out - down about 17 lbs. I am not complaining too much because it is better than being 17 lbs heavier but I was naive to think the weight would fall off with the band. I do not eat that much but sometimes I eat too fast or too big bites and I have to throw it up but then other times I can eat way too much and it goes down - I always mention it to my doctor's PA when I go in for fills and they don't have any real explanation for why it is so different some days than others. I am discouraged in the slow loss and feel like it is never going to come off. A friend of mine who got a band 3 years ago and lost 150 lbs said she did…

Are there any long timers that tracked their weightloss over the months/years and would be willing to share their data with us? I think that there are some misconceptions about how much weight we should be losing and people are easily disappointed when they are actually doing a great job! I am hoping that your data would help show how this process is long-term and how it takes time for it to come off! Come on...I know there are some big losers out there!

It has been over one week for me and I was just wondering how everyone else is doing? I am doing great:thumbup:! I have lost about 18 lbs according to my doctor yesterday. I go back to work tomorrow but I can handle it. So again, How is everyone and their progress?

I am taking a daily multi vitamin and will be running out soon. Which brand, type etc. do folks find to be the best? Also, any tips on fish oil pills, calcium magnesium and b vitamin supplements folks use? What dosage do you recommend?

Ok first off I had to have two surgeries for my band. After the first one the band was too tight and nothing went down. 2nd surgery fixed it... I went for my follow up last Friday and dropped 32 lbs since Dec 3rd. Also my doc said that they may not even have to do a fill because the band should still be tighter than most people. I'm already eating people... Lol and I have gained 5 or 6 lbs... Is that normal? How do u know when to stop eating? I can't really tell... Although I'm not eating near as much as before the surgery I think its a substantial amount. So, I'm thinking I need a fill and that appt is not scheduled until 2/12... I'm thinking of bumping it up..…

I was banded on Jan 16th and ever since then I have a red rash all over my belly. It is getting worse and looks like measles but I know it's not. It itches really bad and I think it is from something they used on me during surgery. Have any of you had this happen. I have my first post op appt. the first Monday of Feb.

:tongue: Question.... I was banded on 12-30 and I was wondering who all can feel your port? Where is it located? I am scared that mine flipped as I have read about with a few others? I cant take anymore time off of work to go back into surgery- am I just being a worry wort?? Thanks Ladies and Gents!

Banded 11-25-08 1st. fill delayed until 1-27-09. For the last 3 or 4 weeks I get a pain that is located lower left stomach. Straight down from left peck and about 6 inches up from the thigh. The pain comes and goes and only when I'm up moving about. The best way to descibe it would be very simular to a side ache, just not the spot where one expects to find a side ache. I reported to the Dr's. Office and I will see him on the 27th. Anybody else with anything simular, or any suggestions?

Hey Everyone, Just 3 days post op and feeling like crap! I have so much gas and the pain is unbearable!! I have been taking the pain meds right on cue at 4 hrs and then I am fine but wondering how long I am gonna feel this?! The gas is also a big problem! Just alot of air pressure(no smell!) but very uncomfortable until it releases. Also had a hernia repair so I am afraid to push anything out. Last night woke up in the middle of the night with this incredible pain in my chest like someone was squeezing the life outta me!! help!! Was wondering how long I have to endure this?

Hey, new to this site. I hope to find a support site, so I can reach out and find support throughout this journey. I want to succeed, I need to get healthier. I am currently on BP meds, and the weight is a big part of my problem. I have 2 very young children, 5 yrs and 2 yrs, I want to live to see them grow, and I want to enjoy them, play with them without conditions. Right now I weigh 224-227 lbs, BMI 42 I am anxiously waiting for my procedure date Any insite to what to really expect would be appreciated

I was banded 5 days ago and I'm on a liquid diet still. I do get about 60 grams of Protein through Isopure Protein drinks, as well as broth, sugar free Jello, and Water. My only complaint is that I have frequent bouts of slimy diarhea (sorry to be so graphic). Of course, I also have lots of gas. Can anyone tell me what the problem might be or how to remedy this situation? Or is it just a normal part of the post-op experience?

I got banded on Dec. 8th. Before surgery and the pre op diet I was 218. Surgery day I was 208. It's now Jan. 20th and I am still 208. I had almost no restriction at all these first six weeks, so I was hungry all the time. I could basically eat whatever I wanted. Today we got our first fill and I really don't feel that much restriction. I was able to quickly drink water and didn't really feel it stop or anything in the doc's office. He filled me 4.5cc's. We are supposed to be on clear liquids today, so I got some gatorade. I didn't eat anything all day, and by 5pm I was absolutely starving. It hurt so bad. I tried to satiate my hunger with more fluids, but n…

Hello fellow Bandsters, I was wondering if any of you have had an increase in heartburn,and a girgiling noise in your throat after surgery, I had no heartburn pre-op, and i've never had a girgiling sound in my throat before, it almost sounds like your stomach growling, but in your throat, too weird for me, I'am 15 months post op, if anyone can relate please advise...thanks

Okay so I'm sitting at my desk at work and all of a sudden I smell burnt english muffin:scared2: then I think mmmm wonder if I can have that:confused: Anyone had the nerve to try one yet since surgery? I was banded 5/08 and I tried a thin (not so thin) crust pizza after fill #3 and you couldn't pay me to do that again, so now I'm a little leery!!! (I'm on fill#5 now!) Thoughts??:thumbup:

Not sure if this makes sense, but, I have had no, absolutely no hunger since my surgery on 1/12. I force myself to have shakes and try to have Soup, to get some nutrition. In two days I begin the 'mushies' and am worried that perhaps adding things I like and different flavors, will activate my hunger! I know I can't stay on liquids forever, but..if I am happy on it, will it be bad to not move forward? Anyone else experience this, and also experience the fear of adding foods?

At the risk of sounding like a little girl, I sit here this morning happy as can be over hitting two of my goals, and really close to one. Last week, I was able to put my original wedding ring on for the first time in years. I'm wearing size 38 jeans (no stretch :tt2:) and I'm so close to getting out of the obese category. I hope to be in size 34 and a normal BMI for my daughter's wedding in spring of 10.

done on the 7th..when can i have a diet coke>>????all i crave is that.lost 9 already.

What is the shortest wait anyone has waited to get another fill? Like 1 week, 2,3,4????????