POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I had my lapband surgery in March of 2003 with no complications since that time (except for the port coming loose from the band and having to have it replaced 1 weeks after initial insertion). The past few months I get sick everyday after noon or so. I get a bloated feeling, nauseated, feeling like I need to burp but cant and then I throw up almost every evening. I know this is horribly grose but when I do throw up it has enormous force behind it, sometimes it is just air until I start dry heaving and that hurts sooooo bad. I thought maybe I had a stomach virus, but not this long, thought it might be the pain pills I was taking for my back but I quit those and no reli…

I know your not supposed to have soda but I'm ready to kill for a Diet Pepsi lol. I'm just curiouse if anyone has tried drinking soda?????

Hi, all. I was banded on December 18th and I was prepared for "bandster hell", but I was not prepared for GAINING weight even though I am trying so hard. I am on soft foods now, and I feel like I am making great choices and eating much less than ever before, plus I am walking 2.5 miles per day (not strolling either...I am really moving) and I have gained 3 lbs. since my post-op visit on 12/29. I am just so frustrated, I have never been so dedicated to staying the course but to not see results is killing me. This morning when I weighed I almost cried....I need to see that all the things I am doing are having an effect. I have seen posts before like this and I know everyone…

I was a good girl, I was an angel. I was banded 12/29 and had a week of full liquids and a day of clear...over the holidays no less. I didn't cheat once. After my surgery my doctor said my band is very loose. He said he could tell my stomach and liver had shrunk. I am on my week of clear liquids after the surgery and I'm starving. I have had Special K protein water (1 a day, doc said I could have it), water, broth, yada yada. I really want a protein shake or some fat free/sugar free pudding. My doctor said I could start full liquids on Monday the 5th. My question is...do you think I could cheat and start incorporating one protein shake a day up until Monday? I'm ha…

OMG :wink_smile: How awful was that!! Last night I made my kids favorite, chicken and biscuits. I am on regular/soft foods, so the carrots, peas and bites of tender chicken in the gravy tasted great, until the freaking chicken got stuck!! I've had chicken once before with no trouble, I guess I was too hungry and didn't chew enough. That is a feeling I don't care to repeat anytime soon. I had to get up and walk around, my poor fiance was so worried. It felt like it was going to come back up but wouldn't. I ended up taking a sip of tea and it eventually passed after about 15 minutes. It was like I had swallowed a brick. Guess I learned something! CHEW!!!!

I am reading a lot of people with port flippage. What causes this so I can avoid it!!??

I've been making a lot of Soups since I got banded. Last night, I made a new one -- butternut squash with pear (and a little gorgonzola and toasted walnut on top). Just had some for lunch - yum! Here's a link to the recipe -- recipes that they would like to share? I know the gorgonzola in the above isn't exactly dietetic -- but I put just a little on the top of the Soup, so it doesn't make it too fattening. Catherine

Hello, I was banded on 3/31/2008; was doing well at first until my first fill when my doctor realized my port had flipped. Had a lot of pain in my abdomen but continued to lose weight. By Sept 2008, I was down from 270 to 228 lbs. To make a long story short, I started slacking on my exercise and was eating soft foods there were high in calories and drinking wine. By the time I saw my surgeon again I was back to 242lbs in Nov. 2008. By 11/21/08, my port was sewed back into place. I've been watching would I eat and feel alot better physical but mentally it's starting to get to me that I'm not losing like I was. Any suggestions from anyone would be greatly appreciat…

Hi again. I'm just coming up with all sorts of new questions...here's a comment I've seen a couple times now "First surgery XX-XX-XXXX, no band due to fatty liver" Here's my question. Can't they tell if you have fatty liver BEFORE they get you on the table and get in your abdomen? Isn't there a way to prevent having to go through the surgery twice??? Also, doesn't a pre-op liquid diet do something to shrink your liver to cut down on the risk of fatty liver? If so, why don't all the MDs recommend a pre-op liquid diet "just in case" to decrease the risk of having to go back in later to complete the surgery?

Has anyone been prescibed phentermine by their surgeon? I was banded April 28th, 2008. Because my weight loss was slower than normal my surgeon prescribed phentermine which is a weight loss drug that has been used for many years. I was a little discouraged thinking that the band isn't working. Been on phentermine for 1 month have dropped 15lbs. I go in Jan 13th for my 6th fill. Total weight loss is 45lbs. Again I'm a little concerned because I don't want to be taking this drug too long and what happens when the drug stops?:tongue2:

Hello Y'all. I am 6 months out. At around 2 months post op I started having quick sharp pains at or around my port. My doctor said it was a pulled muscle. the nurse said it was the port rubbing against organs. They basically shrug it off. Now I'm on vacation and the pain has been constant for three days. Not like before when it come and go randomly in a matter of seconds. I'm nervous. My doc still thinks it nothing. Could the port have slipped or gotten infected some how. Anyone experiencing similar symptoms. I hate to be such a drama queen... but ouch. i can't function...:thumbup:

I am exactly 4 weeks post op and for the last 3 days have been constipated:eek: Late last night I got up, put on clothes, and went and got me a laxative. I have read that alot of people use benefiber, so I got some but unsure if I need to take it everyday or just when I feel like I can't go by myself. Can someone help me out with a litle more info. I will start soft foods tomorrow, so I will be getting some veggies and fruit in my system, so it may get better. I hope so! Any info will be appreciated. Thanks:smile2:

Lap-Band patients? Are some of the users Realize Band patients too. I have the Realize band and was cruising through that's why I stopped by to see if anyone else was a Realize band patient.

Ok so I am not one to feel the need to be the center of attention. I enjoy making people laugh and smile but I don't have to be the focus. So the family gathered at my sisters house which is 3hrs away. I had my surgery Sept 30th. I had seen my parents about 1 week after my surgery (my parents only live about 25miles from me) since then I have been in suclusion so to speak. I worked Thanksgiving so I missed that gathering. So Christmas day I was excited could not wait for everyone to see me. Mom, Dad, my sisters the whole family. When everyone arrived NOT ONE person looked at me and said "wow, you look good" you loook great" NOTHING. NOTHING WAS MENTIONED. Short of me alm…

I was banded on Oct. 13, 2008 and recently have been loosing my hair. Does anyone have anything I can do to make it stop. :wub:

Happy, Healthy New Year everyone. Has anyone experienced the following: I was banded on 12/16/08 and things have been pretty text book except the gas pains. I didn't experience them til almost 2 weeks out and now at a little over 2 weeks I'm experiencing something completely different. Last night each time I moved in bed I felt pain in my chin, the back of my neck (if that makes sense) - almost in my throat and my left ear. The pain was fairly intense and I've not had it since I got up and started moving for the day. I did place a call into my LB surgeon's emergency number and am waiting to hear back. Has anyone else felt this? Does it sound like gas and is it n…

I have had the band for 1 year now. I have 9.5 cc in a 10cc band. I am not hungry between meals but I can still eat 2 cups or so at a meal. I have never really been restricted. Lately I am feeling like I might have heartburn or something like it at the band site. Any suggestions?

Hi all. Question for you. Why is it that some people report losing like 40 lbs in the first two months after being banded, and some people are only 40 lbs down after 8 months? What makes the difference in weight loss after being banded? Is it the "cheating" and exercise pieces? Thanks for your input.

Hi Fellow Bandsters, Well, yesterday was two weeks post op and I have lost 14 pounds so far (no pre-op diet for me). Since I am still healing and getting used to the band lifestyle I have some questions. First I noticed after I eat I have a pain in the middle of my back. Is this still gas? It also hurts when I stand a lot. Next, I don't feel restricted at all. I am not that hungry either. Dr. said I could start mushies on Christmas so I have stalled in my weight loss too. I have had some mashed potatoes, refried Beans, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, and I can eat like normal. I am trying to watch how much I eat but I am trying to get a feel for the band too. Hope that ma…

Hey All! I'm debating back and forth as to whether I should get a fill (1/12/09 will be my 3rd fill) or am I just not eating properly? According to the info I received from Inamed (Lap Band makers) I should be eating 1-2 oz of meat, fish or poultry. I can eat more than that. I can eat 4 oz. and be satisfied, not stuffed. Also approx. how many oz. of veggies do you eat with each meal? Do you go by the: eat a ½ cup to 1 cup total per meal theory? I’d love to hear your experiences with learning how to eat like a bandster.:tongue2:

Hey everyone! I'm suffering from the post holiday blues. I was really bad this holiday, and although I didn't gain any weight, I haven't lost a large amount either. I partook of way too many holiday treats, and at some points think I really ate too much. I'm not having any problems; no acid reflux, no getting stuck, or anything bad, however I'm wondering, with all my badness did I do anything to harm my band or possibly stretch my stomach?? I want to know if anyone else out there has every overdid it, and what they did to correct it or if they had any problems. Anyone's feedback will be greatly appreciated!! It's a new year, and I'm ready once again for a fres…

Good Day Friends, So, I had my surgery on 10-22-08, my first fill is in 2 weeks. The last few weeks, I have been extremely tired and fatigued. My energy level has dropped tremendously. All I can think about is getting into bed. It's hard to focus too. I am not depressed, but quite happy that I did this. I did give up smoking 1 week before my surgery. I don't know if I am going through nicotine withdrawal or dehydration. I am starting to get headaches in the evening too. I have a bottle of Water next to me at all times to sip through out the day. Because, a week after surgery I realized I was breaking out. Needed to flush out those toxins. Same thing with the constipa…

Please go to foods and nutrition and take my plastic surgery poll. I accidentally put it there instead of here:tongue_smilie:

Hello, I had the lap band surgery 11/26/08 and have lost 10 lbs so far. Is that normal? Should I have lost more by now? Also, what do you think about eating a Weight Watchers Smart Ones meal? It has Pasta in it, but there are very few low cal frozen dinners that do not have pasta. Should I avoid these?

Just wondering, I have a consult with him next month, and was wondering if anyone had any experience with him. Thanks!!!

I had surgery 9/17/07 have only lost 45 lbs. and it's been a struggle all the way. I can eat anything and at too large a quantity without pain. My dr. says I have something called esophageal stacking which allows my esophageous to act like a stomach not good,though cause the esophageous to strecth, I am my wits end anybody with anything close to this, Dr.s office wants me to see a shrink, I'm considering a second surgery called mini gastric bypass, any suggestions are appreciated:mad::thumbup::thumbup:

I just had surgery on tuesday... I noticed last night laying on my back at an incline or even sometimes just laying back on the couch I have trouble swallowing. Its not too bad... But there has been a couple of times where it kinda has me worried. Also I can feel something is inside me and when I cough, burp, or move certains ways I can feel what is inside me? Is that normal also? Will it all go away in more time?

Hi all - I was banded on the 19th Dec and I've been staying home to recover - I was told to stay on clear liquids for 5 days... but I only managed it for 4 days. Then I've moved on to full liquids in the last 3 days - but I'm sooo hungry that today I ate some melted ice cream and 3 scrambled eggs. Am I doing damage to my stomach? How do you know if your pouch is stretching?? Is this normal? Or do most people not feel hungry during the liquid phase. Is it OK if I progress to mushy foods now? Or do I have to follow the directions? Let me know your experiences...

I wish there was some sort of thing that could make my taste buds dissapear so I wouldn't enjoy desserts! :wink_smile: If anyone knows the answer- please let me know! If we are supposed to eat to live and not live to eat why does the food have to taste so good? :thumbup: The whole food industry we have to battle is based on economics. Bread was a big staple back in the day- is that why the food pyramid reccomendes so many servings? (not that I can even eat bread!) Well, we don't really "need" our appendix- so I guess we really don't "need" sugar either! If I knew how to invent something to take away my taste buds and make me hate sugar- I would! I was good f…

I'm 3 weeks out and am always constipated. I will go 3-4 days without having a BM. But I constantly have the feeling that I need to go (rocks in my butt..LOL). Is it okay to take a laxative or something to help with this?

Has anybody had a problem with their cholesteral (specifically LDL) being out of whack? I went to the doctor a few days ago and my bad cholesteral was so high she almost wanted to put me on medicine. Then she did some research and found out that that can sometimes happen when carbs are drastically taken out of one's diet. We are hoping it will level off and then start going down after a while. I'm scheduled to have it checked again in four months but she wanted me to check to see if this had been a problem with anybody else that has had this surgery. Pam

I'm wondering if my story is unique. I had my surgery 7:30 am, Dec. 31. I was awake at 10:00 and feeling grogy and in not too much in pain because my belly area had been numbed. The plan was for me leave the hospital when I could get up and walk around, doctor's orders. At 1:00 pm my ride picked me and I went to my Mom's house to rest up because I was flying home with my husband at 5:30, we live on another island. The doctor didn't try to discourage this, so I figured it must be OK. I was a little nauseous, had some stomach pain, and vomited before the flight, but things got much worse in the air. By the time we got back on the ground, 6:30 pm, I went straight to e…

I didnt know it but i gave my wife and kids the best xmas present ever last July 23rd. The band! This year we didnt have a lot of money to buy a large amount of toys for our 5 kids. I was a little upsetting until my kids told us it was the best xmas they had ever had. Because of my band and my weight lose I was able to do more things and play with my kids. As a family we made ginerbread houses, decorated the house and tree and played a lot of board games. I had the energy to play computer games like the Wii and playstation as a family. We played chess, checkers, baked cookies and many other family activities including a family movie every night. I never would of th…

Hello! I just have a few questions about my post op diet :thumbup: 1. Does anyone else have problems with milk products? Im thinking that's what made me sick to my stomach for awhile this morning. 2. Does anyone eat baby food as part of their post op diet? I'm on my full liquids now until 14th and on my list from my surgeon I have cream Soups, yogurt etc. and baby food is more liquid than yogurt so I was wondering if anyone has done this just to change up the taste a little. 3. What Protein drinks do you all find to work the best? Thanks so much! :thumbup:

Has anyone experienced severve gas pain in their upper stomach, and if so how do you get rid of it. I have had my lap band for 14 months now and am experiencing this discomfort.

I just had my surgery and I am always so hungry...I have not had a fill yet and the doctor says I get the first one in 4 to 6 weeks. I have lost 6 pounds and im very frustrated with the pain where the insicion is. Has anyone else felt this pain? Thanks:blushing:

My obgyn called me during my 2 week pre-op diet. She is recommending a partial hysterectomy because of my fibroids. My uterus will be removed through my vagina and my ovaries will stay in. Of course I did not want to reschedule the Band and I was banded successfully Wed. My recovery has been painful at first but now its better. When my dr. checked on me the next morning (I elected to spend the night) I "confessed" about the new surgery pending. He says wait 5-6 weeks then have it done. I will be in the hospital for two days and on sick leave 4-6 weeks at home recovering. Anybody else have major surgery after LapBand? Anything I should be aware of?

Hello, I have been banded since 10-06-08. I started having trouble keeping food down the last few days and was wondering if my band has slipped. I was having stomach trouble like a stomach ache so I thought maybe it was a virus or something. Any info would help.

Hello everyone. I am 5 days post surgery and have lost 12 lbs so far. But starting last night I become soooo hungry I couldn't sleep and have also been incredibly nauseous. On the hunger front I know I need to just hang in there for another week but does anyone have any suggestions on how to help with the nausea? Thank you so much for any advice! Finding this site has been such a blessing. laplrn

I got my first fill on Fri. I am eating mushies and it is 4 weeks until the next fill. However, I am HUNGRY! I only have 3 cc and wasn't filled at all during surgery (mine was the first 2 incision surgery the dr did so she didn't want to fill the band when doing surgery). Why do I have to wait 4 LONG weeks. I really want to get started. I was banded on 12/1 and didn't lose at all during Dec. I sat down with some yogurt and was starving. I ate 3 containers and stayed full for about 2 hours. Should I call the dr?

I am getting bloody indigestion almost every morning and through the night. I don't know if I am too tight or what? It comes off and on. Not every night but often. Does anyone else have this problem and what did you do for it? Thanks

Before I can call my dr.'s office this morning, I thought I'd ask this question here. This coming Tuesday will be 2 weeks since I was banded. I started with some unusual pain yesterday and am wondering if it's the gas still working it's way out of my system or if it's a blood clot. First, does anyone know if after two weeks you can still be working the gas out? My stomach does still feel a little bloated too. I have pain in my calf, right shoulder, back (just above my waistline on the right and left sides), and pain in what feels like my lungs -- I'm coughing a little and when I breathe in deeply it hurts. I've taken some liquid tylenol which calms the pain a little…

Ok...this is going to sound weird. I am having sinus issues since winter started and if I eat too much or something is taking a bit of effort to work it's way through the band I can feel pressure in my face. Any other weirdoes out there like me? :tongue2:

I have a 3 year old who is a great kid, but LOVES to climb on me and bounce on my belly. This is normally not a problem, he's fairly gentle about it, all things considered. Well, after surgery, climbing bouncing or bumping my belly is not going to be good! As many people are on here, and have come up with some ingenious solutions to all manner of problems, I have every confidence someone has come up with a good solution to this issue. Any ideas would be great!

I thought that when I reached my goal I would feel good - I mean really good. I went from a size 24 to a size 10 - from 311lbs to 179lbs - YET I still have days where I feel ugly and/or fat! I want it to go away! I just wanna feel good! Sometimes I see pics and can't believe it is me - other times I see them and genuinely think I look BIG! I don't know what to do about! Any ideas?? Will it ever get better?? Any things you tried that worked?? Please advice! Thank you so much!!!

I've been banded for three months now, I've only lost 30lbs. but my hair is starting to fall out. Everytime I wash it it looks like I killed a cat in my shower. Granted I have a lot of hair, but I can tell it's getting thinner and I'm a bit concerned. My eating has been healthier, although I don't eat as much red meat as I used to, I do take omega 3 suppliments and vitamins regularly. Should I be alarmed, and is there any thing I should be doing.

What happens after something gets stuck. I haven't had the problem yet, I only have had something stuck for a few seconds then it passes, but what happens after something really gets really stuck. I hear people say that it was stuck for 1/2 hour before it passed. Can you go right back to eating, or should you do liquids for a day?

I hear people complaining that food gets "stuck" if they dont chew well, or at certain times of the day, etc. How do I know if something is "stuck"? What does it feel like? Is it painful? I am just curious becuase I don't know if I had anything ever "stuck"..... T I A :biggrin:

Not great but better. Wow, what an experience this has been for me. I am so glad to have gotten up today and felt well enough to drink a shake and shower right away. I am not 100%, not even close but so much better. Thanks to everyone who listened to me complain these last few days. :thumbup: I made my daughter pancakes for Breakfast and they smelled so good and I heard a rumbling so I know I'm getting there....lol My Dr. said I can have anything as long as its blended. I guess the difference between mushies and blended is the consistancy? No lumps in blended vs. lumpy in mushies? Is there some place to get some good easy recipes for blended meals? Thanks…

I haven't lost but maybe 2 pounds since I got the band in, but 12 pounds pre-op. My husband who got it on the same day hasn't lost any weight at all (except 50 pounds pre-op!). In fact, after the holidays we managed to GAIN weight! I feel hungrier now than I did before I got the band! We've been eating normal foods for the most part, but of course eating smaller meals, and lots of protien and Water. We even have low carb protien shakes every day for Breakfast and/or lunch, but I still get so freakin' hungry. Everything I eat goes through just fine, and I am hungry every two hours or so. So I know that it will probably get better once we have our fill, I am just wo…