POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I had surgery on Dec. 31 and the first two days were good, I was in no pain. But Now I have a lot of pain with the gas. It wont come out, I walk, im taking the gas x chewables and still nothing. When I take deep breaths I cant hardly breath. I cant even drink anything because it hurts so bad. What can I do?

Morning all! I had my surgery yesterday (yay me!!!) and am feeling quite human again this morning. So...one of my biggest concerns right now is how to ward off loose skin and lighten stretch marks over the next few months. Any advice?

Hi everyone, I had my band done Dec 12 2008 and have my first fill scheduled Jan 23.:tt2: I am having a hard time not drinking during meals, and find myself able to eat more and totally blew my diet during Christmas holiday.:confused: I have lost 4 lbs since my surgery so I am happy with that but am afraid that now that I know how to cheat I will continue doing so. I do try to comply when I can but now see that I am still able to eat with little restriction. Did I stretch out my stomach above the band? or is it just that the restriction is not enough for me? Or have I found the way to cheat?....if its the latter OMG.:w00t:...HELP..I soooo want this to work. Getting w…

OK, I'm officially putting it out here for accountability's sake. I am going to strive really hard to be under 200 lbs by the new year. Thats 11 pounds in 5 weeks and 3 days (from today (11-24) which probably seems reasonable to most of you, but I am really struggling to lose 1 pound a week right now and the turkey with all the goodies isn't even on the table yet. I need to do this to be accountable and maybe you will join me in the quest of a mini goal by new years day. Who's up for it??

Hi All, I keep reading about everyone's successes but I have not had one since I was banded in April '08. I lost 25-30 lbs before my surgery and lost about 5 the weeks after but have not lost any more than that. I have a 10 cc band and I have had 4 fills. My last fill being in August and they filled me all the way to 10 cc. It worked for about 3 weeks where I felt good restriction and I was eating well and excercising...still only losing about 5 lbs. After that 3 weeks I have been able to eat anything...pasta, bread, rice, sushi with no reprecussions. Once I recieved my last fill in August I decided not to go back to my doctor because the nurse would basically yell at me…

I was allowed 2 eat salad n steamed veggies on my pre-op liquid diet. Does ne1 know if I could keep eating salad, or not til week 9 when all foods are allowed? I'm @ Fridays as I write this...

So the post op diet has been really stressful for me. Based on the book I was given by my surgeon, I did a week of Clear Liquids adding Protein Drinks after day 3. Per the booklet, I added full liquids after one week. Then about 4 days into that I found some papers that the nutrionist had given me. These directed me to do clear liquids for 2 weeks, adding Protein Shakes after day 3. I am still not sure which one I am to follow since the office is closed until Monday. I started very soft food as instructed when I was 2 weeks post op. I was banded on 12/18 so would have been 12/31. I haven´t had any problems- no pain or anything like that. I don´t think I´ve dama…

Greetings All - I was banded on 12/30/08. Not feeling any real pain at this time, just pressure. I have not vomited at all, but have had some nausea. I am not quite sure how much I should be eating. I am still drinking out the medicine cups. When should I be able to drink more??? Initial wgt - 334.7lbs Pre op wght - 321.2 lbs

Hi. I am 12 days post op, and on a full liquid diet. I am allowed oatmeal, cottage cheese, yogurt, and creamed soups. I also drink two protein shakes a day. I can not finish the oatmeal if I make 1 package, but yogurt does noting for my hunger, and I am having half a can of soup and almost a full cup of cottage cheese. I am very hungry, but am I eating to much? Should I be judging by calories or amount pre-1st fill?

I am 7 months post op. I have sprained my ankle. I know they recommend Tylenol over ibuprofen but I was wondering if anyone has taken ibuprofen and if their has been any bad side effects if you have. I have been sticking with Tylenol but it has not been relieving the pain much.

Hi, I am looking for some quick & easy Protein recipes for meals or Snacks. Anyone have any recipes or whatnot they just love? I do the can chicken or tuna, with the fat free cream cheese, lowfat ranch dressing, garlic & pepper salt with pickles and makes a spread w/crackers... tired of this... So I am looking for some more High protein lunch/snack suggestions~ :biggrin:

I was banded 12/30 and haven't had a shower since the night before the procedure. I am required to wait 48 hrs, which I've passed. I'm just SO nervous to get the sites cleaned. Any tips or suggestions? Thx!

Hi all, I was banded on the 18th. Doing well, but wondering if you could suggest some good sources for protein. It's been just broths and teas for the past couple of days, but now I know I need more, I'm groggy! I have the Special K H20, but that's not very satisying. Any brands you all recommend? Thanks

I had my post op dr visit on Monday. The dr said everything looks great and is healing great. I am on mushies for a week then solids. I have my first fill scheduled for 1/14. I realized that is only 22 days post op. I thought "normal" guidelines are 4-6 weeks? Anyone have any thought on that? I trust my dr and have been in his program for 6 months so I know he knows what he is doing but 22 days seems rather short when some people are still on mushies then?

I'm now 2 days into soft solid food so I can pretty much eat anything chewed really well and it's really tough because I get so hungry and I know that I'm overeating! Do you think this gets better? What will happen after the first fill that I hsve restriction?

I am on week three of my post-op and I can eat pureed protien now and more mushy veggies. I am having a hard time not feeling full. I mean I can eat and eat and the feeling of full doesn't occur. It's odd. Sometimes I feel really ful after like 8 bites and then other times I can eat 3 scrambled eggs and not feel full at all. What's up with that? I was a bad patient and started eating solids about 10 days after surgery. Has anyone else fallen off the wagon and didn't follow the post-op diet completely. I haven't felt like throwing up and I haven't had any physical pain due to my poor choice of food. I am struggling. Amy

Seriously, I have to wonder it I wasted my time and money on the lap band procedure. I was banded November 4th and I have only lost about 12 lbs post op and 10 lbs pre-op. Granite my father died a few weeks ago and I didn't really comply with the diet, however I've been back on track now and I am just not seeing a weight loss. I have been filled twice for a total of 1.6cc in my 10cc band. I am really starting to wonder if the lap band is right for me. I really want to make it work, I barely have any restriciton at all and If it weren't for LBT, I think I would have given up by now.

I was banded a month ago and don't have restriction at this point, but.... as soon as I posting this fact and wrote that I don't even feel like I have a band, I was severely reminded and got stuck on a hard pretzel! It has happened to me twice both times I was eating while on the computer! I don't think I'll want to do that again. I had some reflux problems in the middle of the night also ...something I've never experienced before and never will want to again:scared2:.

It's safe to say that I am addicted to food. My doctor put me on liquids for 10 days because my espohagus is dilated. I'm realizing that when I can't eat I'm depressed. Obviously I'm having a depression problem if food is something that brings me that much happiness. I have hobbies and other things to keep me busy (twin boys) but it makes my days so boring when I can't eat. I am an addict! :laugh:

Just a quick question about the larger incision above the belly button. I had my surgery on 12/18, that area is still sensitive, does anyone else have that problem. I also had a hiatal hernia fixed at time of surgery, so I didn't know if that could be why its more sensitive. Just asking.

i had my surgery on 12/2 and at first i was doing very well...now i have not lost any weight in about 2 weeks...i am also having a problem going #2...i do not see my surgeon until 1/12 for my first fill...will the weight loss pickup once i have my band filled??? and does anyone take or recommend any sort of laxative or something for the constipation problem? i tried getting a hold of my surgeon but he is on holiday and is only taking emergency calls at this time... :tongue_smilie: any help, advice, or info is more than appreciated!!! alison

Can anyone give me some advice? I am 10 days out and this started yesterday. I have a headache, am shaking, dizzy, nautious, tired, weak, and just feel like crap. If I didn't know any better, I would say my blood sugar is low. I am eating oatmeal, cottage cheese, yogurt, and creamed soups. I also am having 2-3 protein shakes a day as well. I am on antinautious patch, and vit. suppliments. What is wrong? I am starving and feel like I could pass out at any minute. Please- I am supposed to go to a concert tonight, but worried I will pass out if I stand up too long. Help please!!

I had surgery yesterday... The muscles in my legs or something that feels like sore muscles is kind of bothering me. Its like on the inside of my legs on both sides in the groin area. I keep walking and moving around in bed...I do have more soreness in the back of my leg just above my knee. I don't feel all of them unless I'm moving my legs. Like sore from having a workout or something. I'm kinda paranoid about blood clots tho. Has anyone experienced this? Am I just freaking a little for nothing?

I was wondering if anyone else has or is experiencing the same things that I am. First, I am in pain. I am taking my pain meds but still am very uncomfortable. I also have to cough b/c I can tell there is a lot of stuff in my lungs but I cant cough b/c it hurts too much. I did manage to get 3 shakes in today, very slowly it took me 1.5 hours to drink one but I got my Protein in and since it is only the first day out I think thats great. I have to be honest though and tell you that I am having regrets. When my family was eating dinner and I was still laying in the recliner my heart hurt. Is this normal? I know its very early but I feel horrible.

OK, I recently (finally) joined a gym. I have been going for about a month and I am 4 months post op now. I go 3 nights a week. I start out 10 minutes of walking on the treadmill and another 10 on the exercising bike. Then I do 3 sets of 10 working on my inner, outter thighs, 3 sets of ten with my leg crunches, 3 sets of ten on my calfs, and 3 sets of 5 on my arms. I think I pretty much have it all covered except for one part. I need to start working with my belly. The gym I go to only has one piece of equipment to work on for the belly and you have to lay down (almost upside down). To me, (someone that still has a big belly) its very intemadating. My question …

Does anyone one have trouble lying on your back?i was banded on 12-18, and when i am on my back it feels like i am choking.

I had lapband surgery on Dec. 31 at 1pm and I am a little sore because of the gas but this is not really what I thought it was going to be. I thought I would be laid out on the couch in pain. Sometimes I think to myself did they even put anything in there, but I can tell that they did because when I drink something I feel a little restiction unless its just gas,lol!! But I feel really good and I hope many of u will have this same experience. Oh yeah did any of u get this watch looking thing on ur wrist that stops nausea?:Yawn:

I was just curious of where everyones port is? I can feel a hard..something kinda lump on my right side near my bellybutton. which is just to the right of the bottom and longest incision. is this my port? it kinda hurts a bit when you press on it and my stomach sticks out over it. like a little buldge is this normal? or should i be worried? im going to call my surgeon and find out where my port is but i cant do that as its 10.30 at night here. and i figured posting on here might ease my curiosity and worry a little bit. TIA Bubz

Help! I'm not sure if this happens to anyone else, if it has could you please give me some pointers? Sometimes I get a pain in the left side of my stomach. Actually it feels more like right under where the port is. I didn't overeat, however I had maybe 3 cups of tea in succession since I was trying to warm up! This isn't the first time I have had this pain, but it is much worse tonight. I was banded May 1st and have lost about 50 pounds. I also have pretty good restriction, don't drink soda,chew gum or drink thru a straw. Anyone have any ideas? Thank you in advance!!

Okay I'm really worried about my band. usually I'm really restricted on what I eat but in the last few days I noticed that I've been able to eat more food than usual without feel that 'fullness.' I can still feel where the port is on my stomach so i know it didn't slip but my mother thinks i might have stretched it. If i did, can this be fixed without me having to go through the whole process again? I'm trying to think of what I did to make a potential stretching happen. I don't overeat alot, but I do drink diet soda does that matter?:party:

Hello, First, I wanted to say that my surgery went great. No problems at all. I do have some pain, especially in my left port side but overall it was good. Whenever i swallow my Water it kind of sits there, i can feel it cold in my esophegus. Then I burp, a lot...is this normal. I also have a question or request of all of you. Would someone be so kind as to share their weekly options or food choices for newly post-op? Not the mushies but the liquids? I think I need to plan an hourly plan right. I have some shakes but don't they have to be clear? I have v-8, and powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" da…

I was banded in June, so far, I have done great. I had 3 fills, and one unfill due to constant vomiting. Anything and everything I ate, would come up. So, the unfill, undid a lot of progress, I have made. I cant lose, and I cant stop eating. I feel like a failure. Measure my food? No. For one, I want to feel the restriction without starving myself. Measuring my food makes me feel like Im on a regular diet and after that Im hungry. So, I have officially plateaued. Or however you spell it. Im not moving, down the scale, I go up, and then I stay there, I take milk of magnesea just to relieve the weight, and then I go down. Maybe I have a problem with that. But, I wish that I…

Has anyone else experienced trouble urinating on day one post op? I found out I was catheterized when I went under and the catheter was removed before I was taken to recovery. Believe it or not, the hospital did not require me to pass liquids before being discharged. I can strain for 4 to 5 minutes and get a little bit out, but other than that it feels like my bladder is completely asleep still!! :thumbup:

Was just recently banded on December 22, 2008. All my incisions are healing well. The area around the port is still swollen and I can actually see the port (about the size of a apple) through my skin... Looks a little wierd, I have to admit. Is this normal? Is swelling around the port also normal? Incision is healing nicely, not red or anything... Others than this issue, I have had zero complications and this is begininng to worry me. Should I be worried at only a week or so post-op? Thanks for any insight!!

Hi! EVERYONE, ALL I DO IS GET SICK i WAS BANDED IN APRIL OF 2007 I HAVE LOSE 107LBS. I'M AT A STAND STILL AT THIS WEIGHT. IT BEEN LIKE THIS FOR OVER 4MONTHS. ALSO IHAVE BEEN THROWING UP ON A DAILY BASES I HAVE GONE AND HAD A UPPER GI NOTING WRONG WITH THE BAND I DID HAVE A BAD STOMACH BUT I STILL GET SICK:w00t::wink2: LORETTA

I was banded 10/23/08 and have had 2 fills. The last one got me to a good spot, and I'm finally out of Bandster Hell and losing weight again! I was wondering what those of you who are at good restriction feel like when you eat. For me, I'm generally OK, but I tend to feel a little stuck toward the beginning of every meal. I get a little sliming, but don't need to PB to get unstuck. It's not painful or anything -- just uncomfortable. After I get stuck that one time, generally the rest of the meal is smooth sailing (I am taking small bites and chewing a lot, of course). Is that what it feels like for you, too? Or, are you having a different experience? Also, is …

Hi, Stephanie got banded today and has now joined the bandsters, newbies, bandisters and whatever we call it in the lapband world. The staff was so nice and treated her like a princess. She is pretty much taking it easy, sore on the abdominal area, no vomitting, I am nursing her with gas x strips, MOM, and suppository phernagan to prevent nausea/vommmiting (Not good for the band) She is doing so much better than me; maybe because she is really young, but am happy with the results, the incisions are so tiny and will go in no time with some merderma and Vitamin E. Thanks everyone for ur posts, I took a bit of advice from the different experiences and used on my daughter, I …

Has anyone heard of a band leaking? Something is up with mine. I have had 5 fills and I feel the restriction while in the office but immediately after I feel nothing. I am able to eat MUCH more than I should. There were questions the first couple of fills as to whether or not he hit the port, so we thought maybe that was the problem. But the last 2 fills I am 100% sure he hit it but I still have zero restriction. I asked him if it could be leaking and he said maybe.:thumbup: I go back next week for a Fluor fill, so we should know at that time what is going on. I am wondering how common this is and if insurance will pay anything to have it replaced.

Hi all - I had band surgery 1 year and 6 months ago. I did fabulously during my first year. I lost 62 pounds in total. I began to have some issues with my band, including severe nausea. They emptied my band completely and in the process, I changed jobs. My new insurance does not cover doctors visits, so I have not gone back yet to get it filled ($250.00 a visit). I've gained back 20 pounds in the past 6-8 months. I haven't been eating correctly, not exercising, and had gone back to drinking 2 20 oz bottles of pepsi a day. In a commitment to change, I've stopped drinking soda (been 8 days now!) and am joining Curves. I'm just wondering if anyone has tips for eating a…

I just got a fill this afternoon. I drank a little bit of water and was okay so I left. Ran some errands and about 2-3 hours ago I decided hot chocolate sounded good. Not the best choice, probably, but it's the no sugar added kind with only like 50 calories. Anyway, I maybe drank 1/8 of a cup and ended up throwing that up. Awhile later, I decided I would try hot tea instead. In all I've thrown up 7 times tonight. I'm not even sure what I'm thowing up anymore.. my saliva maybe. The doctor's office is now closed, of couse. Any suggestions for me?

I went to the Drs today for my post-op check and they gave me samples of these vitamins. I guess they contain everything necessary in one chewable instead of taking several multiple vitamins, I ordered some when I got home, they tasted good, and I'm sure are more suitable for what I need than the kids chewables I've been taking! Anyone else tried them?

Has anyone else had a problem with a nagging dry cough after surgery? I am about 3 months post-op now and I have started to get a dry unproductive cough mainly at night when I sit or lie down, let me know if anyone else has this problem, I am going in for a second adjustment Feb 2 and will speak to my Dr about it then, Thanks!!:party::w00t::w00t:

I was banded on December 19, 2008. I started the liquid diet 10 days prior. As of today I have dropped 35 pounds in like 3 weeks. That is so fast it is scaring me. I feel great other than a little tenderness at the port site incision. I have my follow up visit with my doctor today. I have been drinking my protein shakes and eating baby food. Has anyone else dropped weight this fast before? Thanks:smile2:

When was your first fill? My doctor doesn't want to fill me unless I'm not losing or feeling of not being satisfied. I will be 4 weeks post op on the 5th, I don't go see the doctor again till the 21st. I feel great, eating a 1/2 cup of mushie food each time. I have overeaten a couple of times but realized afterward how bad it hurt and I certainly do not want to go through that again. Is this normal for a doctor not to give you a fill at 9 weeks post op? He said he wouldn't do the fill at that time if I wasn't having one of the symptoms.:party:

I have gained 10 pounds over the last couple of months. I was banded on 6-26-07 and have lost down from 238 to 163. Now I am at 172. I find myself eating and I am not hungry. I just eat.. Old habits I guess coming back. Sometimes I feel like I am trying to sabotage this band? Anyone else having these problems?

I had surgery on the 14th Nov this year, it all went well and had no probs. I had a fill 12th December same again no probs. I was out on Saturday and i noticed like a pulling/biting/nipping pain when i raised my arms above my head or reached far for something. I ignored it as it was very little pain. On Sunday and right through to today it has been very painfull. It actaully brings me to my knees if i touch a certain area on my side. It does not hurt and i cannot find the painful area when layed down. So It feels muscular or like the port has moved position slightly. It hurts more when i walk and if say for example i pull up my tracksuit bottoms higher to give it more …

I was ready believe it or not....somehow being home for 10 days at Christmas time with kids isn't the best way to recoup!! Im a nurse, and yes, after the shift am a bit tired. I must say I received many compliments about how "good" I looked :tongue_smilie: Not sure what the weight loss is since surgery on the 18th, I go Monday for my post op. It felt good to hear though! I really haven't been eating a whole lot, liquids for 3 days, now mushies. I am one of the lucky ones that can say I have some restriction post op.....for now. Not very hungry at all-yet. Hope all are well.

I was given a card when I had my surgery that if they also use true results (www.trueresults.com) you can find locations and surgeons that use these facilities I just found the card and it expires 12/31 I tried posting this in the pre op section and surprisingly no one has responded! not one person I am going out of town wednesday thru next tuesday. please let me know by tomorrow if interested. I really wish this savings wouldn't go to waste. I wish someone gave me $500 off my procedure!!

For about a week now, there are days that I just feel like I can't get enough to eat. I have been eating fruit between my meals (which my Doctor perfers I not do). I had my last fill on October 7 and am wondering if maybe it is time for me to have another fill? What do you guys and gals think? Should I an appointment for another fill? Also, I am having a small problem with Stomach pain. It seems that most of the time when I eat, my stomcah starts hurting. It's not a sharp pain or dull pain, just pain that lets me know that its there. It lasts for about 2 minutes, then I am fine? Anyone maybe know what this could be?

Tonight out of nowhere I got really sick to my stomach. I thought that maybe I ate too fast, or something, I don't know. I sat here for over an hour and walked around, burping and just being in excrutiating pain. Finally about 10 minutes ago I threw up. It was all liquid and a couple of tiny pieces of chicken. Now I'm still hurting like I did before, plus I'm sore right in the pit of my stomach. I have pain up in my shoulders and down my arms. I'm afraid that I've done something to the band. I've had some gas in the past, but I cannot get this to go away. I haven't had a single complication or problem, but I was heaving pretty badly. Does anyone have any advice?