POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hi everyone! Do you think calories are created equal? Meaning: If you are watching your caloric intake and you are wanting to consume no more than 1500 calories; does it matter if 300 of those calories comes from a piece of pie instead of a piece of chicken? I understand the benefits of choosing the "right" foods that include Protein and other good stuff your body needs. BUT if you include a little junk in your diet and count as part of your overall daily intake, does it really matter? Thanks for all the imput!!

Does anyone know if taking alka seltzer with a chest decongestion agent will cause me problems because of the bubbling action. Any thing with carbonation is off limits so I'm wonder about this. I already took a 4 hour dose in the liquid form since I can't swallow the mucinez pills. I'm thinking will I have pain because the bubbles might expand my pouch?:thumbup:

Did anyone have back pain after surgery? This is mid back area. It is killing me today. Anyone have any idea if this is something or just normal healing?

My son's third birthday party is next Sunday. We are actully taking him out to dinner tomorrow for his actual birthday but the restaurant is not my concern (I already know what I am going to order). For his party we are doing pizza and wings. And of course there will be chips and dip. How do you fight off temptation? This will be my first "big event" with food and the band and I am looking for tips on how you avoid the evils. That was always my biggest problem, if I see food, I eat it. I dont want to follow the same path and I am trying to mentally prepare myself for next weekend.

I was banded on fri 1/9 -yesterday I started having terrible gas, I'm sure that there are suggestions on here for getting rid of it, but I don' t have the energy to look. I've taken gasX and I'm walking in circles around my house.

Hi all! I had my surgery on January 6th (Tuesday) so it has only been 6 days. However, I am only able to get down maybe half of a thing of Soup broth and a popsicle a day. I am hungry but don't want to eat because I feel sick when I do. Is this normal or should I call the doctor? When I was in the hospital I vomited several times and it was excrutiating and I know I am afraid of vomiting again because the pain was so intense. Let me know what you think. I can't get any of my post op Vitamins down and no Protein like instructed. Thanks! Meghan

I gave birth to my son. He is my sure motivation to loose weight and be healthy so I can be around for a very long time. He was the reason I decided to get banded and loose weight. Happy 3rd Birthday Justin! :thumbup:

I'm beginning to really regret getting banded. I was banded on the 6th and woke up in recovery screaming for them to take it out of me. The gas pain I have and have had since the surgery is the most horrible pain I've ever felt. I've been taking gas-x and dilaudid to no avail. It hurts to take a breath in. I also feel like I have to burp sometimes but nothing comes up and instead my stomach hurts something fierce. I can barely lay down at all without intense pain and I can barely walk. My left side where the port is is also incredibly painful whenever I move and breathe. I've called the doctor twice and they just tell me to keep taking gas-x and told me if the pain didn't…

I had my surgery back in September and right now I am at a loss of about 33 pounds. So how much weight did you fellow bandsters lose when you were 4 months out? I know everyone loses differently, but Im just curious as to what other people have lost compared to what I have. Thanks!! :thumbup:

Since being banded I've been faithful about sticking to portion sizes, healthy food choices, water intake, etc. But for the past week, every night I've dreamt that I'm shoving food into my mouth like I'll never eat again! Last night I dreamt I was at an outdoor party, and there were hundreds of cakes. Everywhere I looked there were the most beautiful cakes, every flavor and shape and size that you can imagine. One cake was underneath a milk chocolate fountain! It was like I was at Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. I sampled every cake and then some. I'm surprised I didn't take a dip in the fountain! I'm wondering - what is my subconscious tapping into? I don't feel deprive…

Hello, this is my first time posting, so hopefully I'm doing it right. I was just banded on 12/3 and get my first fill on 1/14, next week. Has anyone joined weight watchers or felt they needed more support? I feel I need as much support as possible right now and was thinking about joining ww, but wasn't sure if it would help, being banded and all. Any advice or suggestions?? Kristy

OK, yesterday i did my EKG and they found TachyCardia (fast heart rate) and then Premature Ventricular Contractions. What is pathetic is I am 24. OK, so have any of your drs, seen this on you, and if so did they still go forward with surgery?? Im kinda scared to hear from my dr. Anyone else get other issues in their EKG?

When you have food stuck, DON'T DRINK ANYTHING! Your first impulse will be to drink some Water to get it through, but it just makes it worse. :tongue2: (<-- you if you drink water when something is stuck) ___________________ Update: When something gets stuck, you will know it. It feels like there is food, literally, sitting in your throat (not a choking feeling, though)... it's not painful at all, it's just uncomfortable. For the first couple months I ahd my best fill, I carried around a bag in case I had to chuck (luckily never had to use it!)... It won't last forever, it comes up or goes down, one way or the other... just let it be and ride it out... don'…

Today is my birthday and I went out for dinner with my son and duaghter in law. I didn't eat a lot but maybe too fast and now I am in a lot of pain. I have only had one fill. What can I do? What works ...what doesn't? Thanks.:grouphug:

I'm 4.5 in about 9.75 cc band just pbed on pacific food's creamy tomato Soup I really didn't think it was possible to pb on soup since I thought it went thru! If you are familiar with this soup- it's not really that "thick" I can't be that tight- I ate bbq turkey yesterday!

I was banded three weeks ago today. I lost 13lbs on the pre-op diet of optifast. After surgery I also lost around 5 more lbs the week after and than another 2lbs the next week. This week I actually gained 2lbs back! I am so upset! I just started eating real foods agian after being on liquids and than mushies for the first 2 weeks. I ate alittle more after christimas but still not anywhere near 1000 cals a day. i had a few days last week that I ate alot somewhere near 1800-2000 cals. I realized this and started to count my points on Sunday. I have been starving but have stayed around 20-25points which is like 1000-1400 cals a day. And I am up 2lbs. What is wrong with me I …

I am an Occupational Therapy Assistant and sometimes I have to transfer patients and may do a lot of stuff bent over BUT, a lot of my time is spent just doing activities with patients while seated at a table. Varies day to day, really. So my question is, how long would I be expected to stay off work. I just started my job and wont have much time off. I was only planning on a few days...like surgery on wed, go back to work on monday. Is this feasible? I had my gall bladder taken out in may on wed and returned on monday and was fine. Are the recovery times similar? Any idea? Stacie

Prior to my surgery I was going to the gym faithfully about 5-6 times a week average 1-1/2hrs a visit. Since my surgery my time at the gym is pathetic. I seem to have no energy, no get up and go Like I use to. I am not sure if this is laziness that has kicked in or what. I am for lack of better words.. pooped. I know I need to go to the gym. I can squeeze it in my schedule like today I am off. I should be at the gym instead of home in front of the computer. I just seem to have no drive. And believe me, reading peoples post about #'s they are losing and I don't recall what number I started at but know I am not down as much as the average from my surgical date (9/30) I wond…

I started back on my protein drink kick and I was just wondering how much everyone drinks in one sitting? I dont want to over due it but if I dont drink enough then I am hungry shortly after. Also, what brand does everyone use? I use Designer Whey, 18 grams protein & 100 calories/serving.......TIA! :biggrin:

My dr says about 4-6 weeks postop you can start excerising again. I acctully get my first fill on Wednesday which will be 22 days post-op. I am going to ask him if I can start excerising again. Especially since I am wasting $$ not being able to use my gym membership! I want to start up again. I know I am ready becuase I really feel great, plus I am ready to start seeing some more weight drop off! I feel really motivated and not given the "ok" to return to excerise is holding me back. What was everyone else's guidelines for returning to excerise?

Hello. I am new here. I have read alot of post and some good stories. I had my lap band on 12/29/08. I am 8 days post now and everything just seems to be to good to be true. No pain, no sickness, and full of energy. However, I still seem to stay hungry. I have pretty much stuck to the diet I am to be on including getting all my protein. I just dont understand if I have a 2 oz. pouch, then why after eating 2oz. do I not feel this fullness sensation. I have actually ate 6 oz. of food in one meal I am ashamed to say. It was cottage cheese and a sugar free jello pudding cup. According to my scales I am down about 17lbs. in the first 8 days, but I just dont understand this bei…

Banded on December 29. Had a burger on Jan. 1, tortellini on January 3. In between I've had some very small, but healthy, but not clear liquid Snacks. I'm back on Clear liquids now, but I'm so afraid that I've ruined myself before I started. How badly have I messed up by eating so poorly? FYI, I've been really good about eating small portions.... But I know, I still suck.

I was just wondering since I've yet to learn what true restriction is like...does it feel the same as when something gets stuck? In a way I hope not, since I've been there and it HURTS! Thanks

:grouphug:I had my 4th fill today. My doc is conservative. My first was 1.5cc, 2nd was .5cc, 3rd .5cc, today I asked for 1cc and boy has that made difference so far. I was thinking my band would never work. I have been stuck on the same 35 lbs since June/July 2008. So hopefully this will be a great new start. Because bofore this I still had a large appetite but now I am on liquids and feel full, full, full. But not too full. Everything goes down well. I am so happy I can't stand it.:cool2::tt2:

If something is not covered, not a covered benefit in the policy even, you'd think insurance wouldnt pay anything to that claim? WRONG! My primary insurance said no way for my surgery. Well, I had to submit stuff to it since it's primiary and they paid almost 85% of it! It says I owe about $4,500 but thats where my secondary insurance kicks in and covers that part (since it was approved thru secondary insurance only)! I just dont get insurance companies. Seriously. They said it's not covered under my policy and yet they paid 85% or so of the claim! After all this fighting for 1 month to get things in order for surgery (since my primary & secondary insurance both swit…

Ok I am so lost- I was banded on dec 30- Did well with the diet for the first week. Only threw up a few times day of surgery after I gothome due to empty tummy and pain med- My doc says no foods for 3 weeks but I was so hungry that I started them already- When they band you is it filled then? I go back in a week is that when they put the Water in it? I feel so hungry like I dont have anything there and able to eat more then just the cup of food like outlined- Did it slip? Have I messed it all up from starting solids? How fast should I be losing weight? I feel like I did this all for nothing becasue I am so weak and couldnt do liquids for week 2- PLease help- …

Hi everyone, I have seen this in some of the posts but not sure what it is. I have seen pouch test and pouch diet. What is it?

I'm wondering if any other recently banded members have had a tough time with-of ALL things chicken?? I'm 3 weeks out and have tried it a couple of times this week, cooked in different ways each time, and it gets stuck with each attempt! How does one go without chicken?? Talk about a dietary staple!!

I just noticed this about a week after my first fill. When I drink something really cold, it seems to get stuck and I pb. It is only with the drink is very cold, not necessarily with ice. Anyone else notice this?

Hello everyone!!! I just found this site and I'm so excited. I'm getting banded tomorrow morning, and I'm so excited. Is anyone else getting banded tomorrow or this month? I will be posting some before pictures on here after my surgery and will keep you guys posted on the progress. Good luck to everyone else. christy:thumbup:

Hello all. I was just prescribed abilify for obsessive compulsive disorder, and anxiety. Anyone out there taking it? Any weight gain, or more control of eating?

Hello everyone my name is Renee and I am having my surgery tomorrow. My question is after surgery I will move on to "full liquid" diet...what are some things that you ate during this period? Then I will move to the "mushy stage" what are some things you had during this time? I just need some ideas and I am starving now:cry_smile:! Someone please let me know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. What can I look forward to having in the next few weeks? Clear broth is killing me:frown:. Thanks for any input! Good luck to everyone on their journeys, Ive been reading, just not posting. Renee January 9th, 09 surgery day

hello: I am in process for lap band procedure I am probebly 2 or 3 months befor the operation. My question is what happens to your skin after you lose 70 or 100lbs does it need another operation to tuck it in or it shrinks back.

Well, as we all know, flu season is now upon us. My mom was looking on the internet for my son, daughter, and myself for cold remedies. Both my children have walking Pneumonia and I was just diagnosed with Bronchitis. Neither of my kids responded to the cough meds that were prescribed for them and I was coughing so much my stomach was actually hurting. So, that's when she decided to look on the net to see what kind of home remedies were out there. Luckly she found something that not only worked, but is healthy for you and tastes good. Here it is, put some HOT Water in a small bowl. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon with 1 teaspoon of honey (I use a medicine cap that co…

Hi All, I was banded on 12/18. I went in for my post-op appointment on 12/24 and had lost 6 pounds. I was so excited I was finally losing weight for once in my life, but since then I haven't lost any weight. I'm getting so frustrated. I feel like it is becoming just another unsuccessful attempt at weight loss. Is this normal? I know I am consuming fewer calories than I was pre-op so I don't understand how I couldn't be losing. Could my body be going into starvation mode? Any helpful advice is appreciated. Thanks, Kelly

Should I be worried? I've lost almost 10 lbs and it has been less than 6 days since surgery. I can barely drink 1 to 1 1/2 Protein shakes a day. I sip 1 cup of apple juice, I take 2 chewable Vitamins also. That's less than 350 calories a day. Will this last or will I be able to eat more soon? Thanks for your advice. Teacherica

I was banded on Monday 1/5 and I guess I was a star patient because I was banded at 7:00 a.m. and I was ready to go home at 10:00 a.m. that same day. I was upset that I had to spend the night in the hospital. I was so bored and I felt so good so I just walked and walked around the hospital. My question is when do you get your first bowel movement? Since I have been on liquids since 3 days before the surgery and am on clear liquids still - I haven't had any. Plenty of gas but no BM.

Ok. I am 4 weeks post op, lost 18lbs with the pre-op diet up to now. But for the last week and a half I have not dropped a pound. Not gained anything either, which is good. I know I am in what everyone calls Bandster hell but I still have 8 more weeks till my first fill. Up to now, I have not been eating much, so didn't think I needed to count my calories; however, after this standstill decided I would give it a try. I had no idea where to begin. I found this really neat site www.thedailyplate.com and it counts everything for you. It is the easies thing I have found to help me. It tracks your water consuption, exercise and for me, most importantly calories and p…

Ugh. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p> </o:p> Ok, so I’ve been away from the forums for FAR too long. <o:p> </o:p> Geez, pre-banding (and even immediately after), I was on the forums several times a day. I was an info sponge, noting all the ups and downs folks had, making mental notes of what to do and what to avoid. DETERMINED to be successful. <o:p> </o:p> And yet here I am. I can see my one year bandiversary around the corner (I was banded March 17, 2008 – St Pat’s). I’m down only 25 pounds. Granted, I was lower BMI to begin with (39), but STILL. <o:p> </o:p> …

Just wondering what everyone or some use as their vitamin supplements. I don't do well swallowing pills and I have tried the Flinstones complete vitamins (3 a day). However I never really remembered them being so nasty. As a kid, we loved them but anyway just looking for more suggestions of the vitamin you take....

Hi everyone, I had my surgery on Dec 27th and I am HUNGRY! How long till this goes away? I have lost 21 lbs already but then again a liquid diet would make ANYONE lose weight...please answer... I would love to hear what everyone out there has to say

i started in may received my band june30th i have lost 53 pounds total and six sizes yet im frustrated that i bounce back and forth 2 or 3 pounds for weeks at a time but now my dr gave me water pills and i lost 6pds in less than a week but my friend says i only lost it because of the water pills can that be true other than that im excited i fit my husbands large sweatpants and xl tshirt how does the size compare what size would that be in womans

I had my surgery on 10/29. When I went back in for my post-op appt on 11/10 I had lost 22 pounds. All of that was just lil ol me from the liquid diet leading up to surgery and also the liquid diet after surgery. I have not anything since. I have stayed RIGHT THERE! I had my first fill on 12/1 and a second fill on 12/28. I now have 5cc's in a band that holds 11cc's. Right after my fill on 12/28 I felt more restricted - but now I do not. I know that this band is a tool and that diet and exercise are necessary. I just want to get to that restrictive point!!!! I watch on the xray machine as they do the fill and I drink stuff to see how fast it is going thru the band. I know I…

So I had my surgery on December 23rd. This is the BEST thing I have ever done for myself! Had my 2 week post-op checkup yesterday......have lost 22 pounds (this includes the 2 week pre-op liquid diet)!!!!!!!!!! I can't believe how GOOD I feel!!!!!!!! The first week after surgery was awful.....but now I know it was worth it! WOO-HOO!!!!!!

Hi everyone I have never written a post or talked about my band with anyone other than my boyfriend! Well I have to confess I was banded April 2007 and havent lost a pound! I have had 3 fills and seem to find a way to eat around the band. I cant eat solids in the morning and struggle to eat in the afternoon but can usually eat an ok dinner. The thing is when i do eat i know Im not eating the right things! For example today I ate non fat latte with oatmeal for breakfast a zone bar for lunch and 2 buffalo wings with ranch dressing, 1 slider and 2 southwest egg rolls for dinner! MY lapband also isnt always tight somedays its extremely tight and other days I can eat brea…

I was banded on 12/5/08. so far i ve lost 24 lbs. Everything going good. I am hungry I do not get my first fill until 1/12/09. I am excercising, watching what i eat. Now i feel like When i eat 2 or 3 bites i get full or it feels like it is getting stuck. ON sat. I pb 2 times. now iam getting scarred .Do i have a slippage? I notice today when i take baby bites. Everything is fine. No pain anywhere.

Funny question I know but I was just wondering where you felt like you were losing first.... I told my Mom the other day that my bras were looser and my shoes were too big. How funny! However I wish my belly was smaller too, but that day will come. People say they can already tell in my face....

Has anyone had an endoscopy with the lap band? It has been almost 2 years since my lap band. I plan on getting this information from my GI dr but I still would like any information from this group. Thanks, Nancy

Hi everyone, I've had a tough last few weeks and I haven't come to the forums because I kind of feel like I'm the only one going through this 2 months post op. I had my one month follow up on December 5th everything was great and the PA told me that I may start to feel hungrier soon and that was normal since I haven't had a fill yet. My Doctor does not do a fill until 2 months post op. The rest of December was bad. I have lost and gained the same 3 pounds. I'm so frustrated. I have my first fill (FINALLY) tomorrow morning. I'm afraid their going to give me a hard time about not really losing any weight this month. The dietitian told me in December that if I come in…

I'm on liquids for three weeks!!! And am on week 1.5 and am officially going mental :thumbup: When did you guys get to start having mushy foods like potatoes, baby food etc?!