POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

When you drink a glass of wine at dinner, do you drink it with your dinner or do you do the half hour before half hour after rule? Also, do you find the effects are greater and faster than before the band? I am only 5 weeks out and have not had a drink yet but would like to so I was just curious. I know people with bypass feel the effects stronger but not sure with us banded people. Thanks.

I hate to even ask this, but can anyone advise if it's normal to have a SOLID (although limited) bowel movement during your first week post-op while in the clear-liquids-only phase? I have a suspicion that my wife thinks I've been munching on the side, which I have NOT been doing, but I want to head this one off at the pass if an accusation comes about! Thank you!

:confused:Back in August, I began the application process for Lap Banding,.... went to the required seminar, spoke with all my three doctors, all of whom agreed it was a good thing to do........had an appt. with the operating surgeon, who also agreed that I was an exellent candidate for the surgery......until I said I was 65yrs old and would be using Medicare to pay for it all...(turned 66yrs. in Sept.).....then I was informed that Medicare would not even consider me, as I'd be 66 by the time there would be any surgery. I'm heart broken, as I'd put a lot of hopes into losing the weight that has haunted me, most of my adult life. Anyone have a similar experience...?????..a…

Hi everyone, I was banded 2 weeks and 2 days ago. I have horrible stomach cramps and diahrea ALL the time! every 1/2 hr I am running to the washroom. :scared2:I can't do anything! Christmas shopping is out of the question, and I am becoming so misrable! :tongue2: I had my 2 week follow up appt. on Friday, and the nurse said my diahrea was normal. But it can't be. not this bad! and now today I noticed a small amount of blood in my diahrea! I am going to call my doctor in the morning. Any one else suffered from this? any suggestion's?

I had surgery Oct 29 and developed a rash all over my stomach at about 2.5 weeks after surgery. I went to the doctor and was put on steroids for a week. The rash went away...now only to come back a week after stopping the steroids. Are there any known cases of being allergic to the band itself and having to have it removed? Any ideas?

Hi, my name is Tricia, and I had surgery bank on August 18th. I have 4cc's in a 9cc band. Problem? I have lost 20 pounds - all of which happened in September and October. The scale has not budged since. I do not have any restriction at all, and feel like I am still doing this on my own. It is getting scary, I don't want to gain that 20 back. Can I call and tell them I need a fill? How often is everyone else out there getting them? The most frustrating part is : yes, my close friends and family say they are seeing a difference, but I have had people at work ask if it is not working. It's kind of embarassing, even though I know I should not care!!! lol Any inp…

I was banded 3 weeks ago today!! I am still filling soreness/pain at my port. Is anyone else having this issue? Is this normal? Thanks!

:tt2:Hi I had my band procedure on December 5,2008. I am feeling pretty good and am doing well with full liquid diet.My question is : Should I be able to feel my port site at this point? My surgeon told me it should be about the size of a nickle. Any thoughts? thanks :confused_smile::tt2::thumbup::tt2::tt2::tt2::tt2::tt2::tt2:

Hi I have replied to many concerning shoulder pain,now I'm sending out a thread, I have come to find that my nerve by diaphram is trapped or my band is rubbing aginst it and when I eat and just doing nothing I get the pain in my left shoulder. It is quite painful and if I eat to fast or too much it is my indication to stop. I have been told that it usually lasts up to 3 months. I'm now 5 months out, has anyone had this longer and did it eventually go away? I've been told it will probably always be there unless he goes in and readjusts band, which would mean another surgery and money, since I paid this myself, really don't want to have to come up with more. I can live…

Since my surgery on 22 OCtober, I have lost about 25 pounds. BUT since my first adjustment, which was on 17 November, I have only lost MAYBE 3 pounds. It's almost four weeks now. I don't feel "full" after eating, and matter of fact, I can eat the same amount that I did prior to the surgery. I am scheduled for another adjustment in 10 days. My doctor did say that until the band was properly inflated properly and that since sometimes trial and error was best before the optimum fill level had been reached, that I would see less weight gain. Has ANYONE else had this issue or should I just be patient?

Hello, I was banded on sept 29,2008. I was wondering if anyone else was banded around the same time? What is your progress and also what are you eating? Everything w/out restriction like myself. I am not feeling full unless I eat alot so I am stoping myself but am not feeling satisfied, anyone else here w/me? I had my first fill 11-10-08 2cc no restriction after the first 2 days.

My husband and I BOTH got banded on Monday Dec. 8th. All I can say is OWWW. The first night we spent in the hospital, and it was painful but we were medicated... now it's just unbearable. Now all we have is Tylenol with Codiene which barely touches the pain. My husband has debilitating nausea and gas pains. My stomach and incisions are the worst. I can barely stand or sit. We go on walks despite the pain, but it literally makes it all WORSE. I went to work the day after the surgery, so I have been pretty "active". My husband has been sitting around a lot, walking just with me. I went for a walk today and it actually INDUCED gas pains that I didn't even feel unt…

OK, So I know smoking is a no no with the Lapband, and I HAVE quit. I've been real good too. Cigarettes don't hold a huge issue for me. However, I know that at some point, I may slip up. I enjoy the rare cigar, and the occasional clove cigarette socially. (I some times go to places where there is a Cigars and chocolate event. I can resist the chocolate, but sharing a cigar with a friend? So much harder.) What exactly is it about smoking that is so bad for the band? Aside from the bad health affects of smoking that I already know, of course. Is it the tobacco that is the issues? Or the act of smoking itself?

I was banded in September and have lost 31 pounds so far. One thing I have noticed lately as the weather is really starting to get cooler is that I am feeling COLD all the time. I am going around my house wrapped up in a blanket all the time which I never used to do. I always used to be hot all the time and even in winter I would walk around in shirtsleeves (OK, I live in California) all the time. But not now. I feel like I am weathering some fierce New England winter and I need to brace myself against the cold when in reality it is in the low 50's outside and the thermostat in the house is set at 66. It can't be that I have so little padding, because as you can se…

It is so bizarre that there are so many different pre op and post op procedures out there. Surely after all this time they have worked out what the best possible procedure is. I can understand maybe the pre op diet stuff might depend on how much you weigh etc but the post op surely should be similar. I have heard some people have been on liquids for as little as 4 days or as much as 4 weeks. This just seems really bizarre to me. I'm on liquids for 2 weeks then pureed, then mushed etc building up to solids over 6 -8 weeks. I also don't get my first fill for 6 weeks but that is probably more to do with my surgeon being on holidays.

I was discussing my band with a friend a little while ago and a question came up. What would happen if someone who was freshly banded (such as myself) were to eat something solid before the appropriate time? Taking into consideration that said person chewed the food completely, that it wasn't something that is known to cause blockages, and that it wasn't something large that they ate. What kind of issues could this cause? I am DEFINITELY NOT doing anything stupid like this - I've dropped too much already to throw it out the window in the first week - just curious! Thanks!

I am about five days post op. The first day I developed just a little itchy redness that wasn't that bothersome. I took off the white strips the first day, even though I shouldn't have, and ended up replacing them with band-aids, which have now caused horrendous itchy rashes around my incisions sites in the actual shape of the band-aid. I would assume this is just because of the band-aid itself, but I also have little rashes on my tummy that AREN'T in the shape of a band-aid. Also, every little skin irritation I've ever had is all coming back. Sometimes in the past my left eyelid will get an itchy rash, and I will get a mild rash on my neck. I am also allergic to…

I had my surgery 3 weeks ago, so I'm going into week 4. I guess I'm basically on the second week of mushies, I've added cottage cheese and potatos to my diet. Anyway, I've felt amazing since I had the surgery, didn't miss a lick. This past week I've been running around like a monkey on crack and today I feel like hell. I have PMS, I'm actually a day late, and I realize that could be making me gassy. I also have been eating refried Beans and I'm sure that's not helping. I'm having pains in my lower back. Could that be gas? Also, if I get hungry or don't eat for a couple of hours, my stomach cramps like the devil. It's quite painful, and then the hiccups come on. Did …

Ok, so had surgery 12/3. Was 340. Weighted 12/9, 328. I am thrilled. I was on pure liquids; ie. crystal lite, 2 protein shakes a day, broth, water, popsicles. But, I am a fast healer, and really began getting hungry. Called my dietician 12/10, said to start mushies. Mashed potatoes, thicker soups, stay with same liquids. My check up is 12/15. Sooo. the past 2 days I have incorporated egg drop soup, mashed patotatos, 2 cups of mushies aditional, which has helped a lot, but I am 336 today!!!! I cant get on my wii fit, I really just blew my mind.....I am not eating any type of crap food, but how can a gain 8 pounds in two days and not even enjoy it>?:wink2: Any ideas?

I have not weighed myself on a daily basis because I think that I would be too frustrated if I gain so I have waited for my doctor's visits in order to be weighed. Well, I went to my first appointment yesterdsay and I have lost 30 pounds since I was banded on Dec. 1. i am thrilled. however, I know this is not going to keep going at 15 pounds a week (would be nice) but it is very encouraging. I have been given the green light to start the pureed diet and to start weight training (light weight). i am on cloud nine. i have also dropped at least a pant size and I feel amazing! 30 down 170 to go.

Has anyone noticed a difference in how successful their fill is depending on if they get it in the morning or late afternoon? My doctor only does fills on Monday afternoons or Tuesday mornings. I scheduled my first fill in the morning - due to my work schedule but then I started thinking, I wonder if you get more restriction on an empty stomach vs. a full stomach.

Hi: What is the situation with prescription medications after surgery? I take a cocktail of psychotropics and the psychiatrist stated there would be no problem with the pills but I wanted to get the advice of experienced bandsters. My condition is genetic not metabolical so medication is a necessity. Thanks! Cheryl Elizabeth

My partner just got the surgery about 36 hours ago. Since the IV was removed he has had an intake of approximately 30-35oz of liquids. Anything he drinks he begins to burp up in a kind of froth and he has started vomiting a small bit of Water. From the information I've been able to find he should be having 40-64oz of liquid a day even a day after surgery. Is his reaction normal from swelling? Gas? Possibly his band is too tight? There seems to be a lot of similar descriptions for problems and I'm not sure what to be concerned about or what questions to ask. Thanks for any feedback

hey everyone :wink2: I was banded on 11/12/08. I was talking to a friend today and she mentioned someone else she knew who had lapband - their hair thinned out for about 6 months. In my reading before surgery this did not seem like a common thing. Has anyone else lost a large amount of hair post op? I dont want that to happen!

O.k. I was trying to take it easy....plus, I am trying to keep my man....but what in the world is that feeling in my stomach? Am I not suppose to have sex for a while?? My doctor didnt say anything about NOT having sex.....did yours? :thumbup: :cool2: :tt2:

I was banded 10/29/2008 and just returned from my first fill. I was a bit nervous, having read some reports of multiple sticks and watching graphic youtube images. I'm happy to report that mine was a complete non-event. The doctor pushed around under my scar, located the port, stuck the needle once and he was in. He pulled back on the syringe to take out any residual Fluid from the surgery, which wasn't much. Then he started filling slowly and told me to let him know when I felt pressure in my chest. At first I felt nothing at all and I panicked for a moment wondering "oh, great have I sprung a leak already?". Then suddenly I felt it! Not pain, just a pressure ri…

5 days from surgery and I am thinking to myself. What is the world was I thinking? I expected this to be a difficult process, but I had no idea that it was going to be this difficult. I can barely drink anything that isn't water. I'm can feel the liquids pass through my band and the incisions in front are killing me. I have come to the conclusion that this is going to be the most difficult challenge I am going to have to face in my life. How hard should this be? Drink a little, take your vitamans, and exercise. Heck the 2 weeks of full liquids pre op were so easy compared to what I'm dealing with post op. I ask you, in your present place in the process, do you feel you …

I was banded 26June08. I was doing fairly well the first 4 months (-54 pounds) even though I was having some fairly major non-band medical issues the first 2 1/2 months. Then the plateau hit :wub:. I went home to Mi for a couple of weeks and gained 6 pounds (really not sure how... was PB'ing every time I ate. Was actually on liquids the last 5 days there. Within a week of getting home, I lost the 6 plus 1 to put me at -55. I have since gained back a pound and have been stuck at the same point for a couple weeks. I have had another fill (7.0 in a 10cc band), I have bought an exercise bike (last week) I have not fallen into the "Screw it... I'm not losing, I m…

I was banded on Oct. 13th. I was scheduled for a fill on Dec. 4th, but was unable to get my labs done in time so I postponed it until after Christmas. My question is do I need a fill? I can eat just about what ever I want. I do get a uncomfortable full feeling if I try to eat to much and or eat to fast. I have lost about 22lbs since surgery, that includes the ten I lost right after on the all liquid diet. My debate is should I get a fill and eat less and loose faster or continue the way I am an loose at a slower rate. The only problem I have now is that I am afraid that if I don't get a fill I will gradually eat more and more until I am back were I started.

:confused:I went for my 1 week post op appointment on Sunday 12/7. I had lost 17 lbs. Everyone in the office was stunned. Dr. Nazarian who did the surgery said this is not typical but kind of yelled at me because I wasn't consistently drinking the protien shakes. The whole week after surgery I wasn't one bit hungry. All This is probably because I'm old :)LOL. This week I'm up and have a bit of an appetitie but amy only drinking protien and chicken noodle soup. I just wondered if anyone else ever lost this much. From the posts I read before I thought maybe 8-10 lbs. Today I'm down another 2 lbs.

Hi. I am so excited!! I weigh on Friday mornings, and when I weighed today.... I have lost 50 pounds!!! I was hoping to do it by Christmas, and I made it. I began losing on August 20, 2008. I still have a lot to lose, but reaching this goal gives me the boost that I need while waiting to get to my sweet spot. Good luck to you all and thank you to my friends who helped me get here!! Happy Holidays!! Becky

I am a stomach sleeper and I feel it- wondering how others deal with it. Hard habit to break! More importantly- does it do any damage?

I was banded on 9/24/08 and have not lost a lb! Pre and post op I lost 20 lbs, I have gained that back. I had 2 cc's at my first fill and 1 cc about a week ago. My Dr. said it takes time. Has anyone else experienced this? Thanks!!:wink:

I was banded on 12/8/2008 and the first two days were really rough with the gas traveling and my abdomen feeling like it was going to rip apart every time I moved. Today I still have some gas rumbling but I have been afraid of taking a shower and have been washing up really good. Should my incision sites be healed up by now to where I can take a shower? Also, the big incision and one on my side are the only ones that bother me. I keep holding my stomach right around the big incision because it feels as if my stomach is going to fall out because of the pulling sensation. Anyone have the same feelings?

:thumbup:Hi All: Was banded on 11-19-08. On puree now but am trying to get liquids down. I don't think I have been getting enough Protein because I feel really tired. Going to drink the Protein drinks at least twice a day. I realized today it has only been 3 weeks since the banding and that the doctor did say six weeks for healing. Everyone is different. Even with it being laproscopic surgery we have to remember it was still surgery. I think I should be up and running a mile lolololol. I never ran a mile in my life but I hope to walk a mile or two. I am so glad I had this done. I think all of us will be glad. I appreciate all the advise that I read a…

So I went in for my 1 week pre-op appt. with my surgeon, who wasn't there because he'd been called out for emergency surgery. But the surgeon that saw thought everything was fine. I asked to speak to the nurse/ assistant mty surgeons office because I had some questions about when I could start solid foods. I told her I has started mushies/ pureed food and she was confused. She asked me who told me I could do that I and explained that when I was in the hospital the nutritionist saw me twice and gave me pamphlets about my diet. The nutritionist said clear lig. 1 week then mushy/ pureed for 2 weeks. The nurse / asst. said thats not the program the surgeon follows he recomm…

I just got banded 12/08/08....I have been having to burp" 'myself after every liquid that I try:confused_smile:. Is this normal and does it ever stop? Had to get a refill of "Lortab" today, took the doctors office almost ALL day to approve it. My doctor was Dexter Turnquest in Houston, TX. Is there anyone else that had him? What are you thought of him for after care.

I have been banded two months now and started my workout routine last week. Sometimes when I am doing things it hurts in my right side, not really where my port is, further out near my side. I am definitely going to ask my surgeon about it when I get my fill next week, but thought I would see if you all think I'm doing too much, or if it is just my muscles tightening up. It doesn't hurt much after, just off and on during the work out and then a little for the hour after.

Hi Everyone... had my surgery on 12/4 and I am really struggling. My chest is killing me!! I cant seem to get comfortable, and my emotional spirit is shot! I am trying to get used to this all but it seems alot worse than I had anticipated! I also feel VERY hungry but I am working hard to get my protein shakes in....and I have been drinking alot of water. Is anyone else recently banded having terrible pain in their chest???? :tt1:

I went in for my first fill yesterday. The first amount added was definately too tight so my doc (who has been awesome though all of this) removed some until I was comfortable. I left and headed home. About half way home, I started to burp up all the Water I had drank. Since my doc's office was closed by that time, I continued home. Throughout the evening, I continued to burp up everything including my own saliva. I finally called my doctor's answering service and got the doctor on call. He called the ER and I headed off to the hospital (45 minutes away and this was 10:00 at night by this point). I got to the hospital and found that the on call doctor had do…

Ok so I did something stupid yesterday and ate one of those sticky, chewy, surgary orange slice things and part of it got stuck. I thought last night I got it all up but I'm having a horrible time getting things to stay down. Little bits of Water will stay down and right now I'm afraid to eat anything for fear it'll come back up! Will the stuck food go down on it's own or will I need to be seen for this? I know, VERY stupid and I'll never eat those darn things again!!!!!.. Thanks! Megan

One of my last internists was against me getting the lap band. There are many doctors out there who have their opinions, but I felt I knew myself better and made the right decision. I am on the prowl for a new MD, DO or internist, so if anyone has any recomendations in the Houston area (Medical Center or 15 miles radius of there) , please let me know! Looking for a kind, caring, understanding doctor who does not judge me and my band or have strong oposing opinions about weight loss surgery. Want supportive lap band advocating kind of Dr. *please note I am looking for a regular doctor for bloodwork and physicals, not a surgeon!

Please! Tell me what you think.. I kinda feel bad for eating them but then try to justify it because they are 100 calories. What's your opinion? Thanks Mang!

Here it is in a nutshell. I had a leak and went in for port replacement. That day I had some crackers and milk with no problem. The next day I could only get small sips of liquid down. Oh and by the way Dr. only put in a 1/2 CC and I was used to having a little over 2. I thought maybe there was a blockage and it was the weekend so I stayed on sips of liquid. Then all of a sudden it was going down and I ate some mashed pots with no prob. Then the next morning had same prob with nothing going down.. Then a few hours later I ate some oatmeal. Does anybody have any idea? Oh yeah have had lap band of 1 1/2 years so I know what blockage and restriction feel like.. this seems d…

I got my lapband on nov 24th 2008 my port hole incision keeps leaking clear fluid is this common or should i consult my dr

Hello all. I was banded on Monday, Dec 8 and I'm having some concerns. When I get on the scale every morning, I go up a pound or two? Is this normal?

:scared2:I'm so confused. I am having a hard time distinguishing from satisfied to full and I am scared I will stretch my stoma. Is anyone else having this issue? I was banded last week and am on a full liquid diet. This morning I woke up and I had a little bit of a gain and I don't want to hurt myself. Would it be ok if I just drank my Protein supplements and that be it? I have noticed with the Soup broth I get hungry sooner than if I have my supplement should i just forego the soup and do the supplement and that be my meal for that time? Any suggestions???? I really need some help please. Melissa Thanks in advance

I am two weeks Post OP and am doing well. I have lost a total of 40 pounds in since starting my Lap Band Journeyin September. I would like to start working out and am looking for people in the San Diego Area that would like to maybe workout a few days a week. I was banded by Dr. Bhoyrul and was wondering if there were others out there banded by him also.

So I'm 22 days out from surgery ... so just getting into my 4th post banded week. I started mushies last week -- everything went well. My oh my was that farina delish. But now I'm just kind of in a standstill. One pound up, one pound down, one pound up, one pound down. I'm not really gaining. I'm still tracking my food -- trying really hard to stay at 1000 calories per day. I would say my surgery restriction is quickly going away. I get my first fill Jan 6th. So is the best I can hope for is not to gain? My walking regime has been cut a little short -- the ice and cold has put a damper on it and I'm waiting for the next round of Water aeorobic classes to start the …

Hey, Anyone have the problem of having a lot of restriction after surgery, but before the fill. I can already tell you that my doctor does not do a first fill until 6 weeks out, so I know he didn't do that during my surgery. I spoke to the nurse and she said to make sure that I stay hydrated and that some people have restriction coming out of surgery, but I don't want to have to choose between having my Protein or having my water! I had surgery on 12/1, can other tell me if they had similar experiences? and what were the causes of the restrictions (without a fill)? I'm getting a little concerned, I feel so FULL and I have barely had anything all day. By the way, I…