POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hi everyone, I found a good book on the subject of bariatric surgery. It's title is THE EMOTIONAL FIRST AID KIT - " a practical guide to life after bariatric surgery" The author is Cynthia Alexander, PsyD. and was written in 2006. I ordered it last week and just got it today and started reading it. Although I've just briefed it, it looks like a pretty good guidance type. It seems like it addresses the problem of emotional eaters and how to deal with certain feelings etc after the surgery and common feelings during this weight loss journey. Just thought I put it out there in case anyone is interested. There is another good book out there that I've ordered but can'…

I know I'm supposed to be drinking 40z in an hour, but it rarely takes me more than 10 minutes. Am I damaging my pouch or setting my self up for future weight gain? I try to slow it down, but now that I'm actually doing this liquid thing, it seems ridiculous to be sipping or sucking on a icepop every moment I'm awake! I'm not experience any pain in my pouch other than my burps trying to escape at times other than when I'm drinking. And...is anyone feeling "hunger" I'm not sure that's what I'm feeling...

...has anyone heard of this happening to anyone else? The nurses in recovery said they had been at the surgery center for years and had never seen it before. My surgeon looked down my throat into my stomach and says that I didn't perforate my pouch with anything I ate and he didn't see where any of the sutures had been torn but when he went back in with the laproscpoe he saw the infection around and under the band itself. He had to take the entire device out, port and all. Now I feel like I've tossed a huge chunk of my families savings down the tubes and mutilated my body just so I could suffer through this agony for several weeks. Does this sound like something was done …

I just recently began using my cpap machine again after re-gaining about 10 pounds (eating a lot of junk). Now I can't eat anything without really bad pain from air on my stomach. Liquids go down fine, but anything solid causes extreme pain. I have had 2 refils, my surgery was in May 08. Any suggestions for this problem would be appreciated.

Wow is this the place for me??? Yes! I was banded in Aug 05 . My weight was 272 and i am 5'4 . I was finaly filled right on the 1st of oct 2008. My weight was 236 and today i am 224! yay. Finally restriction. Hope to talk to you all soon. Nicole:teeth_smile:

I am not really sure if this is normal or not. I was banded on the 1st My scars looked really good a few days ago not they are really puffy and almost look like there is a rash on them... Also kinda itch. I know everyone has different skin but just wondering if this is normal for healing or if anyone else had this...

I smoke about 3/4 pack a day, but did cut down to 5 cigs a day for 2 weeks before surgery as requested by my surgeon. I know I should quit completely but am having a hard time doing it. I know I will someday. Just wondering if anyone quit before surgery and then started again after surgery, or if you still smoke the same before and after surgery. I don't drink, do drugs, and can't eat much.....I still need ONE vice.....LOL!!!!

Ok so, about this time every year, I come down with strep throat followed by a hacking cough. I usually just call my doctor and they call me in some antibotics and I run out to Walmart and get some cough medicine. Just wondering if anyone knows what kind of cough medicine I can take now since I am not suppose to have any NSAIDS and are the antibotics ok to still take cause I still have some left and instead of calling the doctor, I can just take those if they are ok. It is amoxcil (however you spell it)

I couldn't really find an appropriate place to post this, so please bear with me. I have my sons college graduation coming up and want to look my best and I need help before I plunk down $70 plus dollars on an undergarment. Has anyone tried SPANX? And how do you know what size to get since I don't think they let you try them on first? I am 222 lbs now and have no idea what size I am, probably a 20....possibly an 18 (doubtful). The thing is, I want it to be tight enough to hold in my fat but not so tight that I cant get it on. They look so small when you look at them so I have no idea what size to get.....please help!!

How do you know if you are eating too much or not enough if you dont have any restriction before your 1st fill ????

I am freaking out with all the posts regarding HAIR LOSS after surgery! My surgery is scheduled for Nov. 18th. Has anyone had their surgery and NOT lost their hair? If yes, what do you think you did that helped you maintain your hair? Is there anything that anyone would recommend doing BEFORE surgery to help PREVENT hair loss? And AFTER surgery to help prevent hair loss? Your posts are greatly appreciated!!!

I spent much of the night last night throwing up stomach bile. No food, just acid. It hurt and was terrible. I took a lot of tums and pepto that didn't help at all. Has anyone else had this problem? I was tightened up a couple of weeks and go and this is when the problem began. I don't understand how after over a year I would start to have problems like this.:w00t:

Hey everyone...especially smashing pumpkins. I had surgery 2 weeks ago on the 3rd. The surgery went well. But now I need 2 get my stitches out and i can't get the ones by the port out. It looks like skin grew over it. Idk what to do. Also, the skin above the port looks like those water filled boils you get on your skin. Whenever I press on it, liquid comes out. And the skin feels numb. I don't think its infected. But the stupid thing is hard to take care of. Any suggestions? Thanx

Hi had my surgery friday at 1 30.. came home at 4 30. Been ok till today . Gas pains terrible any help out there. I have been walking.

Hello everyone, i have never seen this site befor and happened to find it today as i was trying to find answers to a few questions i have. Some one may be able to help me. I have had the band for about 4 years now and had a good weight lose initally. i have actually over the past year had my band filled to max of 9mil and yet i still can eat most food. I do not eat red meat but will eat a bit of fish and chicken, and i can eat this ok at the moment evan at max filling of band. Which is the question that i was trying to find some sort of possible answer to is - has my band slipped ? why i can eat. I found a bit of imformation about slipped bands that maybe i should get al…

So my first fill is tomorrow....4 wks post op, 10cc band. What I am wondering is, do I need to do anything special beforehand? My doctor, as usual, didn't give me any instructions. I know every doctor is different, but I would love to hear from those who have recently had their first fill to see what, if any, special instructions that had prior to their fill. Also, what was it like when you ate the first time afterwards? Were you on liquids, or straight to food? Thanks for your help!

30 Pounds For the first time in more than 8 months I can finally put on my wedding ring again... :smile: I think it was to the point that my DH thought I just didn't want to wear it anymore... Though he knew I was overweight I guess it never dawned on him that it was a "can't" as opposed to a "don't want to". So what do all of you feel like you have gained since losing?

Well...I was banded on friday at approximately 1pm. I thought that I would give a run down of the days events for anyone that was interested. I've been trying to keep track of everything until I was able to sit for an extended period of time to type. Today is the first day that I was able to do that. On the day of surgery I showed up at 10:30am. I filled out the last minute paper work...and provided the copy of the living will to the receptionist. My husband and I waited in the waiting room for about an hour before we were called back. From the moment we arrived I was treated with respect and kindness from every person that I encountered at Magee Women's Hospital. I'm h…

hello, i had my new best friend "squiggyband" introduced to my body yesterday. We are doing well, but there is a lot of tightness! I feel the gas inside me gurggling all my insides. I think on of the hardest parts is that the nurses kept waking me up every hour..through the night. SO...glad to be home, i got to go and sleep now..talk to all of you in a few days!

Phazyme! If you are having gas pains, it's the best! :tt1: I had a caesarian with my son 12 years ago, and was told by the nurse to get them. Well, after my band, I was in so much pain -- my doctor said that only walking would move the gas along. So I walked, but it was slow going with the pains! Finally, I couldn't take it anymore and sent my hubby out to get the phazyme. Can I tell you I had almost instant relief! I would put that on the pre-ops list of things to have when you get home.:tongue_smilie:

Hi all, I am 4 months out and just want to give an update on my progress and issues. Hair- thinning a lot. Taking Biotin and using biotin shampoo and conditioner and Vitamins, not sure if it is helping but I am doing all that I can. Protein- use whey Protein bullets 42 gram 1/2 in the morning and the other half in the afternoon Fill- I have a 10cc band and had my first fill of 1cc on 10-17-08. I had surgery on 6-18-08. Health- overall I feel great no problems. I have developed heartburn, so if I eat at least 3 hours before bed and lye down, in two hours I am up and in A LOT of pain. So I quickly learned not to do that. Exercise- I work out 3 to 4 times…

Hi, I have had my band removed last week due to complications. Symptoms: Pain mimicking heart attack symptoms, Vomiting, lethargy, Easy to bruise, Asymptomatic symptoms: Depression, Suicidal thoughts, Sheer frustrastion of not knowing what was going on with me. Event: Raced to hospital from work thinking I was having a heart attack, Cardiac tests and bloods came back normal. Dr suggests ulstrasound to check for hyatus hernia etc..., Cyst found, Stomach had sliped back through band which was laying on top of cyst. Back to surgeon who removed band last week. In process of Biopsy next Friday and then will schedule removal of cyst. My question is???? Are there any oth…

My dr office (kaiser) sent me a letter asking for old dr records. 3 yrs back. Well, i didn't have a dr. What do i do? Should i send my kid doc ones? They do show me being overweight. Not sure what to do...

:tongue2:hello every body ,i did first fill my band on 11th oct.on my request doctor fill my band 5cc before i hav.nt any fluid in my band .i am happy with oit but now a days i am taking whole day home made juices.apple+pine apple+one lime add some salt and blck papper. mean time i am try to eat yougrt 125ml.when come back to home ?night time i took 2ounce some chicken r fish .is it good and healthy for me ????????plz help but one thing i am now losing some weight.

I was banded on 9/22. No fills. Am on soft foods now. Since Sunday my port pain has gotten worse. It goes around to my back. I did not need to have any pain medication after the day of surgery. Then on Sunday I took a vicodin for the pain. Since then I have been taking tylenol PM (liquid) at night. I saw my surgeon on Monday and he said it's probably because I am doing more. It does hurt more as the day goes on. Has anyone else had it hurt this long.:smile2:

I'm curious if any of you have any recommendations for a surgeon, OR any cautions about a surgeon. I just came in to enough money to have the procedure done but I'm concerned about who to use. I have seen Dr. Fox in Dallas, TX and he seems wonderful, but he's $5,000 more than some others I have seen advertised. But then I've heard some complaints about some of the other doctors. I don't want to be treated like a piece of meat OR on an assembly line. Any recommendations?

Hello All: I have a few ideas in mind, but for those of you have returned to work - I'd like your advice. When I return to work Monday, I'll be on day 13 and want to make sure I shop for the right items to have at work and on hand. There's a lot of messed up food items in the facility where I work, from co-workers to the cafeteria and I want to be armed and ready! These are the items I'm told I can have and want your help with adding to it or making it easier for travel - I have my own fridge & microwave: Water, sugar free Jell-O, Sugar free popsicles, chicken, beef or vegetable stock broth (low sodium is a better choice) Crystal Light, Minute Maid Lite, Diet Sn…

I was banded 3 days ago and I'm still feeling a lot of pain where they stiched my port to muscle. So much pain, that it hurts to get up every 2 hours and walk. I also have gas, and I'm sure that is amplifying the pain. I've been using ice and taking gas-x, but I wonder if any of you out there experienced something similar. Thanks! Sarah

I was banded on July 30th 2008, The first 6 weeks I lost 25 lbs and now nothing. I have had 2 fills the second yesterday. Doctor comes from out of town so he wanted me to eat solids which I did with no problems. I have lost motivation, I don't exercise...Have a gazelle, exercise bike, & an ab lounger staring at me in my office at home.. My husband asked me last night if I ever use them I said yes all the time.. ( As a purse holder and laundry dryer):smile:. I have had some issues since I have had the band, been in the hospital twice. Probably how I lost the initial weight as I didn't have a pre-op diet. I thought about joining a gym but I always find a reason…

Hello!! I know my post title may make some green with envy, but it has been quite a shock for me as well. I am 3.5 months post surgery, and I am down 53 pounds just since surgery!! Since January this year I have lost 87.5 pounds...crazy I know. But for those who have lost it fast as I have (mine is partially due to the fact I am only 20 years old, and my metabolism finally decided it wanted to work correctly), do you ever feel you could have done it without the band? I feel my band is the best decision I have ever made in my life, hands down...but I wonder sometimes. I know that once the weight is off, it will help KEEP it off, which is a HUGE hurdle for many just ret…

I had a 2 cc's fill on Wednesday, August 13. I did liquids and mushies that night and the next day. I could hardly eat any dinner last night...felt very uncomfortable. This morning I cooked 1/4 cup of diced 98% fat free ham, and 1/4 cup of egg beaters. I could not even eat 2 tlbs of it! I am chewing well, waiting in between bites...but each bite makes me feel uncomfortable. I mean, don't get me wrong, at this rate I could lose 2 pounds per day; but that isn't the way to go. Advice?

Hi, I was wondering if I could get some ideas of medications, supplies, clothing, that I am going to need for my surgery and after I come home. Also a list of things to do and not to do Thanks!

I just read a thread that reminded me of when I went shopping for a few new things last week (it's starting to get pretty chilly here in ND & none of my shirts or sweaters fit anymore - they're TOO BIG!!!!). Anyway, I found a few sweaters & even though I've lost a considerable amount so far, I find my head still can't wrap itself around my smaller size sometimes. I still go straight for the Plus section & seek out the largest size they have, only to try them on & realize..hello!!! that looks WAY too big on you!!! :cool2: Anyway, so I finally found 2 sweaters & a suede jacket (in a 16W by the way), only to find I needed a new pair of pants to go with th…

I am having surgery the 10th of November. For some reason, our surgeon makes us stay overnight. Will I will be well enough to check out by myself and take a cab home (10 minutes away)? It Dr. Ren from NYU.

Hello fellow banders! I was banded Tuesday and am at home doing fine except for the fact that I have picked up a cough/cold from the hospital! A nurse came into my room actually barking like a seal (bless her heart!) and I prayed I would not get her cough...well, I got it! I am going to call my surgeon today for an antibiotic as I do not want to go thru the weekend with this and NO relief in sight. Should I call the surgeon or my medical Doctor? And do you all think they will give me a liquid antibiotic? Thanks for all the help!

To those who already have the band: can you feel the port? can you see it? is there a lump on your abdomen somewhere? Sorry for the weird questions, I am seriously thinking of getting this surgery but need more info.

I had the lap band procedure this tuesday and have not stopped throwing up since. I was re-admitted to the hospital last night and the nausea subsided, however as soon as I got home today I began throwing up again. Can anyone let me know how long this goes on or any advice on how to deal with this. It is becoming really discouraging. Is this normal? One moment I feel great, the next moment I'm in front of the toilet severely vomiting. Help!

So I flew into denver, co today. I'm getting my 2nd fill tomorrow with Dr. Kirshenbaum. I know this is a little last minute, but I was hoping to maybe meet someone else to was banded by him.. I was banded 6/3 and Ive lost almost 50 lbs. I would like to meet others who also have been banded and see how things are going and compare a little. The thing is, I'm flying out to phx tomorrow night and have to be at the airport by 8pm. Just an idea, I should have thought it before hand. Here my # in case you want to call 360-751-7164 =) Gina

I get this pain under my left breast - on the rib cage about 2 hours after eating. I have been advanced to soft food and was banded on 9/22. No fills yet. Has anyone else had this? I follow the food plan and portions so I don't know what is causing it. Also - my surgeon wants me to lose 10-15 pounds in 3 weeks. I weighed 188 at my visit. I think that is too much too fast. Most diets say 1-2 pounds a week. What do you all think? Thanks.:wink2:

Ok... so... i just got my 2nd fill yesterday 10/15 and today, i have an extremely sore throat, congestion, ect. ect. anyways, my question is does anyone have any suggestion of what i might be able to take? My dr told me to not take my regular tylonol for 3 - 4 days, so to me that means i can't take regular cold medicine either... any good liquid medicines out there other that cough meds. Thanks!

I was banded yesterday oct 14, my Dr. told me to remove the tape over my incisions today and that there were no stitches just glue.. im freaking out thinking my stomach is going to rip open. Any one else go threw this?

As an old(er) woman myself (47), I am wondering if I will face slower weight loss than say a woman in her 20's or 30's? I had a hysterectomy when I was 32 and that is when I started slowly gaining weight....approximately 7 pounds a year till I reached my all time high of 250 pounds. I weighed 233 at surgery and am now 222, so a total of 11 pounds since surgery on 10-22. I am pretty satisfied with the overall total and I feel great, but I'm just curious how others around my age have been losing. I would love to hear from some of you.

Hi everyone. I am 8 days post op and still have the same waterproof plasters covering my incisions (i have disolvable stitches). When should i take these off or change them?

TOMORROW, well I called to have another fill I have NO RESTRICTION after 3 fills and 5.5 ccs in my realize band. I feel I have been good meaning I haven't ate junk food, and even my portions are/have been cut back for not having restriction even to the point of leaving and still being hungry. I just don't know what is going on. I don't want to get to the point I can't eat anything like my friend is now but I do want some kind of restriction because although I have cut back I am sure it's not enough. My problem is the fill doctor he is so dry with me since I have not been successful and that makes me uncomfortable to even go there but yet I need to get to that point of …

Hi, I'm having severe pain and reflux 2 weeks after surgery. I've read that this might be a sign of a slipped band. I'm looking to hear from anyone who may have had their band slip and if so, what were their symptoms and how do they fix it? I also have to admit that I didn't eat right after my 1 week post op doctor appointment. At one week they gave me the green light to eat softer foods - not mushy but soft, canned meats like tuna or over cooked Pasta. I was really craving "chewing" some foods so I think I may have not eaten the right things for a couple of days and I probably ate a more like a 1 cup of food instead of 1/2 of a cup. Could eating like this for a…

I had my first fill on October 3rd and I feel very little restriction and have not lost any weight since then, but have not gained any either. I'm feeling a little discouraged. Anyone else out there had a slow start?

Hey everybody! Just wondering if anyone has tried shredded cheese melted in their soup?????? I am 14 days post op and have lost 21.4 pounds so far and was just wanted to add alittle spice to my liquid diet? got any suggestions or has anyone tried it????

Just wondered if anyone else had experienced significant hair shedding after the band? I started "shedding" about two months ago - it peaked significantly about a month ago and it's tapered off a bit but I'm freaked out. My hair is noticably thinner and almost to the point that I've seriously considered looking at a wig. My doctor didn't seem all that concerned, even though I was nearly in tears sitting in her office. She gave some recommendations for supplements and instructed me to try Rogaine if I wanted. Lastly, she assured me that my hair would regrow in 6-9 months. Ugh! Meanwhile, I feel pretty unfeminine and am wondering if it's better to be thinner and …

I am really lost and maybe answer to these questions will help me get back to track I cant stick to three meals in a day ... i eat around one cup per meal and get really hungry real soon ... i was banded 28th june and dont have any fill.... i know the standard answer is get a fill but i cant get a fill due to personal reasons ... so will this damage my band in last two days i gained back 2.2 pounds ... i was trying to follow the diet but i guessed i binged a bit ... cant shake off that weight even though i have gone back to the diet ... dont know what to do ... how to get the motivation again i got champion choco mocha Protein powder but cant decide how to take i…

2 weeks since my banding and still feel so tired is this normal? And still not getting in all that protein how do you do it! Brand new lot's of questions and can you give me meal ideas for a day! Thanks Again!