POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Okay, So I was browsing on youtube and I found something about this girl doing the "chew and spit". I'm not really craving "bad" food right now, but I know as I get further away from my surgery date, I could see myself do this... I'm not saying that I will do it, but I can see some bad and some good with this... of course it seems that it is a negative thing, that it is an eating disorder, but on the other hand if you did this every once in awhile, would it be horrible?? Anyway, I was just wondering what other people's thoughts were and if you do it yourself? Please give positive or negative feedback... Just curious about it! Thanks!

sooo... is there a specific reason you have to wait 4 weeks to have sex after getting the band?? i mean if im able to be on an elliptical machine for 30 minutes why cant i romp for just a sec?? just a light one??:biggrin:

Hello all, I got this recipe out of a book I'm reading on the lapband. protein powder (I used choc. whey protein) low fat SF yogurt skim milk (I used FF) water ice I blended this in my little magic bullet - the taste is amazing! Good Luck all

I was wondering if it would help to cut food up as much as possible before even putting it in you mouth would help with the chewing. I am working on the whole chewing concept and am hoping I will eventually get used to it and it will become habit..

Hello to all my "co-bandsters", I have never posted here, although I've been a member for over a year. I was banded on Dec 29th 2005, lost 20 pounds initially and fell off the wagon hard, by not following the "Rules" and busying myself in a lot of other distractions going on in my life. I am the "poster child" for what not to do when you get a Lapband. I'm now experiencing a lot of Acid Reflux and have been scheduled for an Upper GI kind of scope on Oct. 29th. I am praying that there's nothing wrong with my esophagus or stomach or anything else as I have a new found determination to lose the weight that I was so eager and ready to lose in 2005, with or without m…

I have noticed after eating quickly- I have not PBed (slimed) Is that normal? I also am able to consume 5-6oz. grilled chicken breast for dinner with 1/2 yam and some broccolli. Am I eating too much? I'm still at 3.5 cc's in a 9cc or 9.75 cc band (need to check) I noticed I can eat more than I could the first few weeks of the last fill. I am not gaining which is good, but "maintaining" Before spending $100 to get floro to check my band, maybe someone can help because I am paranoid about if I stretched my band or whathaveyou.

Good Afternoon Everyone, Can someone give me some idea of how large the band opening is? I am eight weeks out, but have not needed a fill yet. I have lost 45 lbs and was just wondering. Forgot to ask my Doc. Thanks!!:regular_smile:

Hello Everyone, I am 4 weeks post-op and i keep feeling a lump in my throat. I have tried gasX strips, hot decaff teas, and hot lemon water. I have been back in the hospital 2 times now because i feel like I am choking. My Dr. does a scope and fines nothing. I feel it it is hard to drink anything. He still has me on a liquid diet and he released all liquid out of my band. It is 2:37am and I can't sleep because i feel like I am always choking. I know this is suppose to happen after i get filled but why now. Does anyone have any help they can give me. This whole week i cry to try to put myself to sleep but, it hasn't worked. Please help! Dr. said he might have to remove…

Hi Everyone- I am recovering from either food poisoning or the flu...major diarrhea and I did vomit twice. (very painful!) I went to my dr today to check for band slippage, and he said everything looked good. I am still having diarrhea, but also, my stomach is SO loud...what causes that? I have been sick before, and never had this, so I am assuming it has to do with the band. Has anyone else had this, and know what is causing it? It is constant...whether I have eaten anything or not. Dont know if I should be worried. Thanks so much- Targa :regular_smile:

I know I read it on here but I can't find it. Where is the site that let's you track everything you eat and it counts the calories for you? Thanks.

Has anyone figured out what to mix this with to alleviate the awful taste? I've tried applesauce, pudding, and yogurt and it's still disgusting. Help!

Okay guys...here's one for you. There have been two times in my life that I lost significant amounts of weight. Meaning, I was a size 8-10 and maintained it for a year at the most. This is my third, and final, attempt. The weight is coming off at 3-5 pounds a week and I'm feeling great. Here's the thing. When I lost weight those first two times, I changed a a person. As a fat person, I was cool with myself, made jokes and although I didn't like being fat from a physical standpoint, I liked me. When I lost weight those first two times (and have noticed certain, similar thoughts popping in my head) I changed into this vapid, appearance conscious person who was a compu…

Hello fellow Realize banders. I've had the Realize Band 4 months and received a fill yesterday that took me to 5cc's total. I was curious how many cc's did it take you guys to reach restriction. I know everyone is different but I'm just curious.

How are you taking it? I have tried crushing it up and putting it in drinks, ice cream, smoothies...nothing seems to make it bearable. I have to take it 3x a day and it is soooo bitter that I start to throw it up. Anyone have a success story for me?

Ok I bought this protein powder from Wal-Mart and it stinks! I mix it and it still stinks!! So, is there any out there that doesn't smell. I want to get a vanilla whey powder and an unflavored powder. Thanks for the help!

I am three weeks post-op and saw my surgeon today. He advanced me to soft food (from pureed or mushies). I weighed 188. I was 196 on the day of surgery. He wants me to lose 10-15 pounds in 3 weeks. Doesn't that seem like a lot? Aren't we supposed to (as with any diet) lose about 1-2 pounds a week? I have been exercising. I have not had a fill yet. My other question. My port area still hurts. Is that normal? My surgeon said it's probably because I am doing more. Then I remember that my abdominal incision from my hysterectomy was sore to the touch for 3 years and my lumpectomy (for breast cancer) still is sore to the touch after 6 years. Thanks.:laugh:

Hello everyone. I am at the end of week three post op. I just accidentally scratched off a piece of the glue on one of my smaller incisions. It is not completely closed and started to bleed some. I have a call in to the doctor, but do you think I should put a bandage or something on it? I am not sure how long it will take the doctor's office to call back. Thanks for any replies.

:ohmy:It is allergies season and I have had my fourth fill which brings me to 4.5cc in an 8 cc band. I just got off an antibiotic and was just given cough medicine for the cough and a nasal spray for the nasal drip. I take one zyrtek a day as well. I have major plegm which seems to be blocking what I drink. I can get some down but not much then it gets blocked and comes back up. I seem ok after I drink something hot but it builds up again. It does seem to get better everyday but it is hard for me to get my meds down that I need to take everyday. How do I get rid of the phlegm? has anyone else gone through this?? Will iot get better or am I going to feel this way throug…

:confused:Is it true that u shouldnt get a fill during or a couple days before ur cycle?? Im just curious because i read on a site that u shouldnt get a fill while u have ur "friend" because u retain water and its harder to get a fill?? im due for my next week and am also getting a fill oct 24th so i was wondering should i cancel my appointment and reschedule til aunt flow leaves?? any suggestions:confused:

I have been using oxygen as well as the "Airlife' you breathe into once every hour, walking etc, following Dr's Orders exactly. I have a ton of gunk in my lungs, is this a bad sign, is it normal, did this happen to anyone else? When will it go away and is there anything else I can do?

I am trying to get all of my protein in, however, I am only 4 days post op and I am having a hard time getting all of that liquid down. Any suggestions?

This has probably been answered somewhere--sorry if so! I'm one week post-op and on a two week liquid diet. I frankly don't feel "restricted." That is, I am able to easily eat a cup of Soup and then drink a shot of liquid protean then a few sips of Water. (Then I do "feel full.") Of course, in reality, a cup of soup and a few more mouthfuls isn't much food and, before the surgery, I would probably eat 2 cups or more of soup (plus bread, etc.)! But it also is a lot more than the "few ounces" of food that I'm supposed to be able to eat while banded. Is this because what I'm eating is liquid and thus it is "slipping" past the band easily? Please tell me that onc…

I have a question, has anyone else had a rash around their incision sites? I am a month post op and my incision sites started itching like crazy the last 2 weeks or so. Everyone keeps telling me that they are healing, but they have BEEN healed. I noticed this morning that there is a rash completely around each incision. Has anyone else had this happen to them? If so, what is it and how can I get rid of it?

My surgeon requires 30 days of full liquids and I've grown bored already with the few things I'm eating. I so far am ok with healthwise hot chocolate, sf pudding, protein drinks, and soup but I've eaten the same soup for 6 days. :wink2: Any suggestions?

I am planning on going in to get banded tommorrow at 5am. How long were you on a liq. diet? Any information you can give would be great. :thumbup:

Well today i did something i've never done before i rode my bike with my son attached in a seat with wheels for 4 miles...just think my 2yr old weighs 30 lbs so thats 30 more pounds on top of my weight i had to bike around but i DID IT and im so proud of myself.... as long as the weather is nice i am goin to do that 3 times a week and the other 3 days use the treadmill and eliptical at home...since the band i feel energized i dunno this burst of energy came to me.... im glad i made the decision to get this done...good luck everyone and remember KEEP MOVING FORWARD!!:thumbup: -cindy

I'm pretty sure it was HeatherO who suggested the Livestrong.com site, where you can use the daily plate function and track your food. I'm completely addicted to this...it's free and will look up all your foods and keep track of your Protein, calories, etc. I highly recommend this site to all banders...it's helped me keep some semblance of control during the last two weeks since the band and feeling like I could do some damage to a #1 Burger King combo :thumbup:

had the lapband op a week ago. I'm still a little swollen over the stomach area (no pain) and my wife thinks my breath smells like something died down there. maybe its the change in diet and i'm drinking too many liquid yoghurt type drinks? I've dropped 9lb. The surgery wounds appear to healing up quite nicely. I'm seeing the surgeon for a post op visit in a fortnight. Do you think that there is any cause for concern?

Just wanted to shoutout especially to Emilie1 and Longhornmom who are both being banded today by our doctor Sonny Cavazos here in San Antonio Texas. AND while I'm at it a good luck to all who were or are or will be banded today! It's a beautiful day to start taking back your life! :smile2:

so I got home on Tues. was doing really great now I have the flu. itching watery eyes, sneezing (ouch!) runny nose, & coughing (OUCH!!!) how miserable can this get? and i'm getting hungry. this liquid diet sucks!!! I did call the nurses, not much they can do

Hello ! I have a question thats probably been asked a thousand times on here, so please hang in there with me :-) I "get" that there will be Clear liquids for a week or 2 , then soft foods. I get Banded this Tue , 10/14, and i need to go to the grocery store on Monday. All I read /hear is " clear broth, sugar free popcicles, non-carbonated beverages, etc..." Is there a "shopping list" posted anywhere that i can sort of go by? I dont want to buy too much of anything, not enough, or especially the WRONG things ! Is there much of a variety ? I realize this isnt rocket science, but my brain is on overload at the moment ! LOL Thanks for any suggestions :smi…

1 week post-op. Can't get in enough protine along with 48 oz water. Any suggestions welcome!

I've been reading up on posts on how people feel...and although I feel great physically, I have no problems with anything that I put in my mouth. For example, sometimes I still forgot, and will take a big gulp of sf koolaid...doesn't bother me in the least. Is that normal for some? I keep reading how people aren't even hungry and feel full. I feel just like I did without a band. I'm starving all the time, and although I've done really well, I know my 4 oz Soups are really about 5 oz. I've been on soups, puddings, and Protein since 24 hours after surgery. I only had to slow my eating the first two days, and now I can seemingly eat like normal, although I force myse…

A bit worried surgery is Monday. I would love all the input I can get.. What to expect.. ??? what to bring````` Any thing I should know.. A bit nerious.. I have to stay over night. My surgeon is in my town. i know I am very lucky for this..

I weighed in the morning before I had surgery and the next day when I got home using the same scale. OMG I went up 9lbs after the surgery? Someone told me it could be from all the sodium and Fluid from the IVs but I can;t imagine 9lbs! And if I'm right it wouldn't be air causing it because that is weightless right? Any thoughts? veejee:frown:

I am a bit embarrassed to ask this question but here it goes. How long do you have to wait after surgery before having sex again...??? Just curious to know..Thanks in advance.:shades_smile:

It seems no matter how much I exercise and watch what I eat, I am not losing anything. I shouldn't really complain, since I have lost a total of 60 pounds (plus or minus five depending on the day) since June 1, 2008, but it just stopped and now waffles back and forth between 60 and 70 lost, basically for the last month. I realize I should be patient. I am just sorta frustrated and feel super stuck. I don't think I have proper restriction, yet I feel restricted at times. How does one really know they are properly restricted? Everytime I think I overcame this plateau, the pounds find their way back on. Grrrrr...

ok... ummm, Today was my fill appt and i was weighed and well my highest weight was 429.2 and that was on 7/31/08. My surgery date was 8/26/08 and now on the day i was supposed to get my first fill (10/8/08) i weigh 371.2 so thats a total of 58 lbs even lost and my doctor wouldnt give me a fill. I'm upset, is this normal to get rejected for a fill? I was so upset i didnt even hear the reason of him not giving me a fill can anyone tell my why? I know 58lbs is good but i wanted a fill cuz i have NO restriction at all also so i could have a sense of fullness and to loose even more weight. Should i be upset or worried? Is this normal not to get your first fill?

I'm 15 days post op. I've been a perfect little patient and not strayed from my prescribed diet, with the exception of a couple puffed cheetos last week. Today, I grocery shopped, bought some plain chips to pack in lunches and I had an overwhelming "need" to have some. I probably had 10 whole chips. I'm probably fooling myself, but I'd like to think my body was just screaming for salt...at any rate...I felt really bad about the whole thing. I'm on mushy type food right now, but I'm sure the chips won't hurt me cause I chewed and basically disolved them in my mouth. I just feel like one little thing will lead to out of control behavior. When just a month ago, I w…

***Im reposting here b/c my 1st post might of not been in the right section of the forums.*** So anyone else run into this problem?? Making poor choices when ur pals are around? I tend to pick poor foods and eat mushy items which means i can eat more.... Now i know this is bad, and its wrong... I run into this issue about once a week sometime 2 times . I could use some advice and tips from others who have been here and were able to beat the need to eat like ur pals! Also some side facts so you have a better understanding. March 1st 2008 started to work for pre band diet lost 23lbs . May 21st 2008 band ... Sept 28th 2008 total of 84lbs lost. Work out 6-7 days a w…

Hello All! I'm due to be banded on Nov. 19th in St. Louis. While I don't have any plans right now or in the next year ... my husband and I are already talking about the next place we'd like to live in 2 or 3 years time. (I just can't stay in one place b/c of my job I've lived all over the country). :thumbup: Now I have heard about doctors being hesitant to be the post surgery doc of people who have been banded in Mexico. Or if they didn't do the surgery. Has anyone out there gotten the band and then moved? Did you have problems finding a doctor to take care of you?

Okay I'm somewhat happy to have a PB, I just had my 3rd fill 5.5ccs in a 10 band. Before these fill I could eat what I wanted and it didn't matter how fast I ate. Well I can't do that any more!!!! HOLY S---!! having a PB hurts and its not cute with the spitting YUCK!!!!. But I'm happy to have found my sweet spot, and really put my band to work. I'm not eating alot of food, I guess I'm getting a half a cup of food in one sitting, maybe even less, just not that hungry, plus my nerves are on wire, don't like PBing at all. I'm trying to chew my food very well, not a easy task, I have to train myself to do these. I also learned with this new fill I can't eat bread of annie ki…

SOMEONE PLEASE HELP! I was banded in MX 1/8/08. I am only down 10# I am sooo disappointed. I have has 3-4 fills. I am very sensitive to fills and have even had to be unfilled once because it was too much! I do not have a dr. here in IN where I live per say. There is only one dr. in my area that will do fills in pts. that were banded in MX so I have few choices. I was a surrogate just to get the money to pay for this surgery. I pay cash for all my fills, they are $300 a pop! I do not have it like that. I am a single mom, full time nursing student. The only insurance I have is Medicaid. There is no reason I should not be losing weight. I eat so much less than I used to. I h…

Hello, as some of you know Yom Kippur is in a few days. I had the band 4 months ago and was wondering how to go about the holiday. Do I fast? can I fast? Any suggestions? Thanks Sue

all the sudden this morning when I weighed I'm down 5 more pounds! I couldn't believe it. That makes 25 lbs lost. I was banded on Aug. 14.

hey I'm still At the hospital. Anyone have really awful pain with the tummy pain! I've been walking, just wanted to Get an idea of when it may stopn! Thanks

Hi all! I was banded Tuesday October 7th and feeling pretty good already!! How soon should I schedule my first fill? I was banded in Mexico so I will most likely use a Fill Center in my city for my first appointment. Three weeks, four weeks out? Any advice would be much appreciated.

I had the lapband surgery in feb. And i have lost some weight but it has been absolute hell. I have had three tightenings since, and when they do the adjustment they do a swallow study so i know my band is not slipped, but i am constantly sick. One day i can eat, and the other day i cant. I haven't been able to eat any meat in three months or longer. I can only eat salad, but whatever i can eat, i can eat a lot of it, so i dont think my band is too tight. Can someone help me, i am basically bulimic and it's like the EXORCIST. I am about to give up! Please someone help me!

I have been trying to get this procedure done for almost a year, but insurance turned me down. I finally realized that I was going to have to self-pay. My dad lent me the money, so now I will just pay him back, instead of a bank at a high interest rate. I had the surgery and am SOOO lucky!! I had no nausea whatsoever, no oozing incisions, no gas... I feel so good, with the exception of not being able to sit up too quickly or for too long. I was hoping to get some advice on what exercises are best for preventing loose skin. Does anyone know?? Thanks in advance!

My husband and I were both banded on Oct. 7th. He has very little pain and no bruising or swelling at port site. I am still in so much pain it is unbearable! My port site is swollen and very bruised. I can't move without crying out in pain. I am taking vicodin 30ml every 4 hours and it does not help at all. Has this happened to any one else? Help !