POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I've read numerous times about how folks who had high blood pressure or diabetes went off their meds and were "normal" almost immediately after their surgery. Well, I've been monitoring my bp and sugar while continuing my meds and the numbers are no better, in fact my bp has gone up a hair since surgery. Am I expecting too much too quick?? Is there any guarantee that my numbers are going to go to normal? I am enjoying the weight loss, but I mainly got the band to get rid of the diabetic monster and high blood pressure that had invaded my body!

Hello everyone!! I am not yet banded and not sure as to when I will be but I'm hoping by late dec early Jan. I did have one major question.. ANY REGRETS? If so why.... I'm just trying to get all my information in order before I make this life changing chocie you know. I feel pretty confident in wanting to get because of the obvious in needing it however I just wanna hear your own exp. with getting it done. One other question, before you were banded did you feel aniexty about the food issues? Like not being able to eat certain things anymore...

I've done really really well since having surgery on Weds Nov 5th. But Thurs night I got nauseous after sipping too much apple juice after my pain meds and ended up throwing up. Other than that incident - I'm fabulous! I still am not feeling hungry, however my doctor says that by Day 3 I should be incorporating protein drinks as well as "Full Liquids" which include grits, oatmeal, ff pudding, sf jello, V8 juice, etc. But I'm scared to eat! I'm scared to drink anything more than apple juice, crystal light, and frozen popsicles! I know that I should be able to handle these "Full Liquids" with no problems, right? I guess I'm just worried I won't notice that I'…

I'm trying to decide what to pack for my overnight stay at the hospital, and whether to bring my own pajamas or wear the hospital gown. Do they leave the I.V. in overnight? If so, I won't bother with my own PJ's. Thanks.

Hi. Just wanted to share this funny story with you. Before I decided to get my band, I joined Weight Watchers (AGAIN). I went to the first meeting and the lecturerer asked what problems everyone had had that week. One lady said she hadn't been drinking enough water. Then another said she hadn't exercised enough. Then about 5 or 6 people said they had been having problems with too many BLT's. I thought that was kinda strange - all these people eating too many bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwhiches????? I finally asked the nice lady sitting next to me and she informed me that BLT's were Bites, Licks, and Tastes. So just remember... to many BLT's and you won't lose …

Had surgery 11/5 by Dr. Heiker in Texarkana, doing fairly well, but do feel like I need to burp. The bubble in my lower stomach is extremely uncomfortable. Also is there any other way to take blood pressure and diabetic pills besides crushing them?

Hi everyone. I'm new to Lapbandtalk.com. I was just banded on 11/05/08. Things are going pretty well but I do think I will be glad when the liquid phase is over. I will be starting mushies or "blended" food soon. Has anyone ever put split pea soup or bean soup in the blender for mushies.

I found this very interesting and thought I would share. I went to my 2nd post-op appt. and 2nd fill last week. 1 of my questions was about hair loss. I am losing tons of hair even though I make sure to get more then my recommended Protein everyday.:biggrin: My surgeon told me that hair loss is based on how much weight you lose and how fast. The faster you lose the more hair loss. I have lost 40lbs in 2 months and 65lbs since July,08. She said the hair always grows back but that the loss will happen regardless of the protein intake if you are losing fast. The protein intake will help with the regrowth.

I was banded on 11/4/08. My incesions feel great, no nausea. But... when I had the post-op upper GI the tech really jostled me around. Now I have a terrible sharp pain in my left groin (very low) area. It doesn't seem to be related to the actual banding but I'm not sure. Did anyone else have this?

I was banded on 10/20. And I forgot to ask the doctor when I would be able to have relations (yes sexual ) with my sweetie. We are both hot twitching with anticipation and I dont know how long she can stand being without me. Help@ Signed Desperately seeking a solution

Hi Everyone I'm really interested to hear if anyone with severe sleep apnoea has been able to throw out their CPAP machine and if so how long/how much weight did it take? This is one of the main reasons for me having the surgery. I stop breathing 100 times per hour when sleeping and I hate the machine. I have about 20kgs (40lbs) to lose and I'm really hoping it will make a difference. I'd love to hear your sleep apnoea stories...

Though I've come a long way, I'm starting to lose my way. I haven't been going to the gym, I have not been tracking what I eat on-line (www.thedailyplate.com), I've been drinking more wine than I should, I've been eating things I shouldn't. Like double-churned ice cream with whipped cream on top...very easy to get through the band. I'm just not feeling very motivated. I also feel like I miss so many foods. Like pizza. I have tried to eat it and just can't. And, I'm sure that's a good thing. But I also think I resent it. I realize that the lap-band is a great tool, but I also realize that I need to do my part. If you've gone through this, what have you done to …

Ok, what is your hint? What tells you that you had better not take another bite? I had my first PB the other day, but I don't know if I missed my hint. I didn't feel overly full or stuffed or anything. I was trying to eat slow. I just don't know. Help me figure this out?

Hi! I was just wondering if anyone else has missed a period after being banded? I had my last one 10/8 and was banded on 10/13. And I am still waiting for mother nature to due her thing. I am a 28 day girl every month. It now day 32 and I know there is NO possible way I could be pregnant. My husband seems to think it's because the stress of the surgery on my body and the drastic change in my eating habits. Thanks!!!

This is day 3 of clear fluids. I have terrible gas pains and constipation. I am starving and wondering when Ican switch to shakes to feel more full. I cannot take another day of clear fluids. I AM STARVED!!!

So, I've got another week on liquids and the only thing that I'm allowed that isn't sweet is broth or tomato Soup... but I'm so sick of sweets. Whenever I drink a Protein shake, I literally get queezy feeling... any ideas? I've got some unflavored Protein powder from GNC but it's slimey and makes me wanna gag, so I can't use that... I know I shouldn't be whining, but this is what I'm considering the bandster hell... that and the passing gas/bad breath... ugh! :rolleyes2:

I have been on my liquid diet and honestly, it's not so bad. I look forward to mushies and then REALLY look forward to real food...but I am doing fine by liquids and am 100% sticking to it here. Problem: I was banded on Oct. 31st, and have progressed gradually. 1st night, 30cc's of juice an hour. next day, 120cc's of juice and remained that way on sunday. monday, was told i can go to popsicles, Soups, Jello, pudding, yogurt. my intake was minimal. I'd eat until i was full. then force myself to eat whatever was left over, so my body felt it..so i can re-train myself to know when i am full ..i know..masochistic, and the lump in the chest sucked. On Monday-Thursday…

How big is too big to take any kind of pill with the band?? I had ligament reconstruction and have oxycotin that I could take; however, I had my band filled since the surgery and now am scared to take the bitty pill when I really need it for pain. And I am also learning that antibiotics are becoming very limited with the band. Some of my doctors get frustrated with prescribing because there are certain antibiotics that are chewable or come in liquid form. And dealing with chronic sinus infections, I am now limited to what I can and cannot take. And some of the heavy duty antibotics state to not chew. So when it comes to medication, how big is too big for the band?? …

I Don't like Protein Drinks!!!.I can't stand the smell or taste anymore:frown:....... By day 9 post-op I was gagging on them, ......I couldnt get another drink down.... I am making sure I get alot of Protein in from food and hopefully that will be enough. But can someone recommend some drinks/brands that dont smell or have an aftertaste, also please give me some ideas as far as hiding the taste.

Hi Everyone, I am 1 1/2 months post-op and am having problems getting in my Protein. My problem with the powder mixes is not the taste, but the smell. I tried the unflavored unjury. I didn't notice a taste, but I could not get past the horrible smell and ended up sending it back for a refund. I don't notice the smell in the premade shakes, but I can't afford 2-3 of those a day. Any suggestions for a Protein Powder with no smell? Thanks in advance!

Hi - I am learning so much reading all of these posts! I was banded 10/9 - I only have 1 incision and I have a thick ropey feeling under my skin there. Also I think I can feel the band to the right of my incision, something is hard, just like the ropey feel under the scar. Is this normal? I'm wondering if I have scar tissue forming or if this goes away. My DR said it would go away at about the 6 week point..? thanks for any clues!

I have lost apprximately 45lbs since I was banded in March 2008. I have noticed that some people have lost 20 to 30 more pounds than me in the same time frame. Sometimes I get upset that I am not losing weight fast enough. It took me until the beginning of October to get the fill that caused major restriction and I have been losing weight consistently for the past 5 weeks. A friend of mine told me that I need to get the emotional eating behavior under control and it might take me longer to lose the weight in order to come to peace with my emotional eating. I figure it will take me one year or a little longer to lose another 60 pounds (which is my goal). I feel like life…

What does restriction feel like? Is it a constant tightness around the belly area or just tightness when you eat? Could you please describe restriction? Thanks

I am getting ready to start the "real" food stage. I've been researching what you bandsters are eating and I haven't seen many veggies. I realize that protein is a priority, but how to vegetables fit in?

anyone have this problem? I was banded in april and have had several fills the last one was last thursday. Friday Sat and Sunday everything seemed fine, but starting yesterday and into today cannot keep anything down? Even milk or hot tea. I did do a heavy abdominal workout on Sunday, can that increase presure? Is it posible there is inflamation that will go down? Should I give it a few days or have some fill removed? My stomach around the port is sore but I cannot tell if that is from working out or something else.

Has any one had trouble with dry, flakey skin on their face after surgery? I mean it wasn't wonderful before, but now I have tons of lines, flakes, make up cakes,etc. Please help. Estee Lauder doesn't! Thank you.

I've really hesitated in creating this post because it does sound crazy to me. I notice that if I'm extra emotional...fighting with the 18 year old, crying over something, just emotionally drained, etc. that my tendancy to not be able to keep my food down is heightened. Has anyone else experienced this?

Hi all, I'm just wondering if anyone else developed a rash after surgery? I've had it since I came home after surgery and it hasn't gone away. My whole body itches and I have white splotches and dots all over in different places. It comes and goes, but it is really frustrating and uncomfortable. At first I thought it was just irritation from the tape at the hospital, but I have the rash on my legs, arms, and back...all places that didn't have tape and whatnot. Has anyone else experienced this? Thanks! Shanna

Ok so I think I finally got it and I am suppose to go back and get anohter fill next week. Now it's been two days since I have ahad this feeling. It's like this. I ate some salad and prolly ate too much but I am learning I actually ate 2 plates of it you know the salad plates??? I was stuffed, but I had ordered Soup also and when it came I was only able to eat like 5 spoons of it and I had to stop and from then on I was miserable. Today I eat Pot roast I chewed and chewed and got it dow I ate the piece of pot roast first and at a few carrots and ONE small cube of potatoes and now I am sitting here wanting to throw up...its' a yucky feeling not a stuck feeling. I th…

I'm happy with my weight loss to date and I've had to weed out all my 18's, 20's & 22's because I'm wearing 16's now and I just don't know what to do with all the ones that are too big. I've got to get the closet cleaned out so that I can go shopping. I'm looking for suggestions as to what "the experts" have done with theirs when they got too skinny to fit into them anymore. Thanks in advance.

I'm just curious to hear how everyone else has done with the MAJOR bloating! I am 11 days post surgery and my tummy is sooooooo bloated. I kinda figured maybe it would go down by now - but nope! How long does this last?

Only 24 more lbs until I get on the transplant list.......so glad I did the surgery. Just ignore the dancing around the room..:thumbs_up:

Hi Everyone, Well I didn't really know what to expect the first week following the surgery and I'm experiencing a world of emotions as well as some physical symptoms? I'm curious if others have felt this way. 1. Has anyone else felt like they were depressed and their emotions are all over the place? Is this normal? 2. I've gone from feeling like I have no appetite at all ,to being obsessed with food I can't have right now and then back to no appetite? Anyone else? 3. I feel like i'm going through some sort of weird emotional detox, I never realized how much I depended on food for comfort although I knew I was an emotional eater before even having the surgery but t…

Thought I'd report on my experience being banded just two days ago (11/5/08) - I know I enjoyed reading about everyone else's experience - now it's my time. Luckily I was first on my docs schedule -was at hospital by 5am-operated on by 7am - if you can request to be first on his schedule - do yourself a favor and take the first slot! Was in my room by 1pm - pain in my stomach, but feeling pretty good. I did take the morphine for the first 24 hours - helped to relax me and I got a little sleep. Suggestions for what to take to hospital - stretch shorts or pj bottoms!! This is the only thing I did not have that I really missed. I was up walking the same evening - but h…

i had my surgery almost 12hrs ago and just now i'm starting to feel the horrible gas pains in my shoulders and chest. i'm in a hotel and don't have access to a heating pad. i'm about to take the pain meds again - will they help with the gas pains? also, how long (days) will i have this terrible gas pain? i've been walking laps around the hotel every couple of hours, and i know that's supposed to help...but just now i did 3 laps and it didn't help the pains at all. need advice

Hey there. I was banded Nov 5 (yesterday morning). Ever since then, I have been experiencing pain in my abdomen but mostly around the diaphragm area, just below my lungs. I can breathe but only short breaths. I am able to take liquids but had an episode today where I drank too fast and ate a bit of jell-o, and suddently went from fine to ghostly white in under 20 seconds. The episode lasted about 3 minutes until I was able to pass the feeling, but for a while I thought I was going to faint. I did not vomit, thank god. I know a lot of people are experiencing gas pains. I have felt bloated before, but never like this! Are my problems with being short of breath normal?…

I had my surgery in December 07. Since then I have had 3 fills. The first okay, the second too tight, ended up in the ER...and then a re-fill on that one. Since that time, I throw up quite a bit during eating. I am able to tolerate soups, and mushy stuff pretty well,but when faced with chicken, etc..that requires grinding really well, that is a problem in swallowing. My doctor is in Iraq right now, will not return until November and I do not trust anyone at the hospital I go too besides him. I am concerned that my esophagus might be constricted...any advice? Risha

I went in for my third fill on March 4th only to find out that my port had flipped. I had to go back into surgery yesturday and have it fixed. This is an expense my insurance doesn't cover. I remember mid January being at work and feeling pulling/pain in the port area when I was lifting and moving some pretty heavy boxes. I feared that my port might have flipped then. I was just wondering if anyone else has had their port flip? And once it's fixed is there a greater chance it will flip again.... because I'm pretty sure my doctor stiched it back into the same spot. I'm sad of course that one of the "risks" of surgery happened to me but I'd much rather have a flip…

I just was approved and have been thinking about getting things at home prepared for when I come home from my surgery. During the pureed food part of the after surgery diet, would it be okay to eat the really runny baby food? Or even just baby food in general? I'm thinking since I'm a college student, it'd be easy to whip out a jar of baby food and eat some while in class. Has anyone done this and found it to be okay? I planned on asking my doctor/nutritionist but figured I'd ask here.

I am being banded on November 18th. I am going on a cruise December 7- 14. These plans were made well before. So it will be about 3 weeks out from surgery. I really have no plans on not going, but I wanted to see what everyone thought. I will be on full liq ( juice, milk, pureed Soup, cream of wheat). Do you think it will be ok. I know it will be hard. But I thought it will be one cruise, not going to miss out that much. I can bring some things with me. Any input would be great.

i've been told walking helps gas pains tremendously. but how long is everyone walking? i am doing about 3 laps around the hotel at a time, which isn't more than 5 minutes. but after 5 minutes my legs are tired and i want to stop. i'm convinced i am not walking enough. all you folks who have been there and done this, i'd appreciate knowing just how long "walk walk walk" was for you? :rolleyes2: ps - i had my surgery at 10am on weds nov 5th.

Ok, I've never been a huge Water consumer, but I'm way bigger now. I have a water bottle by me all the time. My mouth is dry all the time! Is this normal? I'm not dehydrated, I use the bathroom a lot, and I'm drinking a lot. I'm newly banded (10 days out) and this is a huge surprise to me.

Hey everyone, I have been on a liquid diet for since Oct-15, was recently banded on 10-29:thumbup:, and have the worst breath... OMG!:thumbup: I understand the ketosis process and all that... but still it's horrible to walk around with your mouthwash everywhere, and not even wanting to speak. My problem now is I got a white tongue, forget about dead taste buds. I am freaking out a little, is it dangerous, should I contact my Dr. Anyone out there who's been through this situation? Thanks, Christina

it figures, this is the one question i forgot ask. they gave me an ice pack for my incision sites today (i had surgery about 11hrs ago). i've had it on my belly for probably 8hrs of the last 11hrs. i just woke up from a little nap and my incision sites are really cold (obviously from the ice) but it seems as though they're a little more sore than the were the rest of the afternoon. for the record, i feel fantastic - better than i ever expected to feel. i'm wondering if i should have the ice on my belly as much as i have today? if not, how often should i put the ice on there, and for how long at a time? also, how long should i contine to use the ice pack? thanks in adv…

My sister is having reflux at night and the Doctor says she may have stretched her pouch. Has anyone had this?:thumbup:

I am having an immense amount of pressure/pain in my port site when I stand or sit. This just started yesterday afternoon. I was fine with walking until this happened, and now the only position I can handle is flat on my back. Does anyone out there no what is happening? It literally feels like a 100# weight hanging from that spot on my tummy whenever I stand now.

Hi Everyone, I was wondering, I am a chronic pain patient and I take oral pain meds throughout the day, everyday. When I get banded, will I be able to swallow and keep down the pain meds I need to take that first few days? Anyone else out there know how this works? One of my meds I cannot crush because it is a time released drug so I have been wondering how this will work for me. Also, how much pain is there post operatively? Because I take pain meds already for my spine, I worry that I am going to be in more pain then expected because of my high tolerance to pain meds. Any other chronic pain patients out there who have been banded? Love to hear about your experiences wi…

HI!!! I was banded on the 22nd and have lost 18lbs so far!!! YAY!! I must say though, I've suffered quite a bit.. like I have mental hunger I guess, and I see my family eating and chewing and I want to cry!!!!!! But anyways.. I was wondering, I've had a difficult time burping... not too much passing gas (embarrasing...) but burping is like not very successful.. I feel the need come on, and I can feel it and I just feel like weird pain in my epigastric area, I guess where my puch is at. I'm still on liquid diet.. I did try to eat a little bit, just chewed it reaaalllyyy well (or so I thought) and I had prety bad abdominal pain for quite a few hours. Not like before, you …

Hi Everyone, I was banded on November 3rd and I came back from the Hospital last night. The surgery went well,thank God!!! When I first started the program,I weighed 285,the day of surgery,I weighed 261. I have so many questions,I don't know where to start lol. First of all,is it normal to have no appetite ,which I have none. I've been sipping on Water and off and on a Protein shake. I have very little energy. Is this all normal? My other concern is ,all this talk about possibly being constipated but my problem ,is the opposite. I have had runny,watery stools(sorry if this is tmi),is this normal as well? Thank you for any input. Where can I get so little weight tracker…

Hello My Friends, It's been 3 days since my surgery and I feel good. My surgery was Monday around 2pm and I was in my room by 5, the only thing I remember was my doctor making a joke about having his glasses on and the next thing I remember was them calling my name and me freaking out and swinging my arms around:scared2: but they calm me down and I went back to sleep. I tell you I was drugged up that I couldn't keep my eyes open it was 4am when I can finally was able to keep my eyes open but I had no pain the only problem was everytime they gave me antibiotics I got really nauseated.:bored:The next morning they did my swallow test and blood work and everything came out …