POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Oh my goodness. I was pretty emotional before my surgery while I was on the pre-op diet, but was hoping that would go away after my surgery. I'm not crabby now.... I just seem to cry so easily. I come from a crybaby family anyway, but.... now... OMG! After I cry, I think how goofy it was, but..... Anyone else experiencing this??? Will it pass or will I just be a much healthier crier?? :confused:

Hello, I am 8 week post OP. I have had one fill on 9/11/08. I have made another appointment for another fill this Thursday. My Since this a new experience for me WHAT:confused: exactly should I feel when the Dr. does the fill. At my first fill when the fill was happening, and I was drinking water I felt that I was going to toss my cookies and the Dr removed some of the fill. While in the office I felt it a little restriction when I done the water drinking test. However, the next day I was back to eating normal food and do not feel full. I understand that it may take several fills to hit the sweet spot. Did I do something wrong at the fill? Can someone tell me what or ho…

has anyone had alot of weight loss within 2 months. i was operated on 7/31 and i have gone from 304 lbs to 258 lbs in not even 2 months thats 46 lbs and i havent had a fill yet. as a matter of fact when i was in hospital they had to take the prime out of the band because i was too swollen. any responses will be appreciated. P.S. i also eat well and because of my bad knee i havent exercised yet

I am going on week number 4 since my surgery. I am now on solids. Everytime I eat, i get a horrible stomach ache and nausea- Is this normal and has this happened to anyone else?:thumbup:

Hello! I am about 3 months post surgery...and losing the weight really well! BUT! I noticed today that my hair seems to be falling out faster than normal. Like, ALOT is coming out. Not in chunks or anything...but just a lot. Is it from lack of nutrition or what is it? I dont wanna bald at 20 years old! Josh ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Band Date: July 9th, 2008 Surgeon: Dr. Jeff Baker Insurance: Medica Heaviest Weight: 314.5 Current Weight: 235 lbs. Goal Weight: 185 lbs. Freedom is only a word until it is upheld by the roots of its meaning….. CONGRATS TO ALL THE JULY BANDSTERS!

Hello everyone. This is one of my first real post as a potential fellow lapbander! I was just approved by my insurance this week. My question to those of you who are already on the other side of being banded ....what are some questions you wished you had asked at your first surgery consult? I will meet my surgeon -- Dr. Norbert Richardson at the New Start Program in St. Louis -- for the first time this Tuesday for a consult. I know a little of what to expect since my friend (in another part of the country) was banded in May. But I'm still researching and learning and I'm almost overwhelmed as to what to ask. From what I understand, this might be the only time I actual…

Greetings, I know this has been addressed previously and everyone is different. I was allowed to move to regular foods a few days early due to losing weight at a rapid pace, 31 pounds since surgery (9/2/08). Now it seems like the weight loss has stalled. I've increased the level and intensity of excercise and make it to the gym 5 or 6 days a week. I am not complaining, but just wondering how long it takes your body to re-adjust to food and get back to losing weight. My caloric intake is now approx. 1200 calories a day, up from 800-1000.

OK, so I was just reading the thread "Things I wont miss about being obese". I thought it would be a neat idea to jot down a few things about the things that have changed in my life since I have become a bandster. I hope others will join me as well in doing this. Things that have changed are: *After 14 pounds lost I can now put on my comfy blue jeans without having to lay on the bed and suck my gut in to zip and button them. *I can now walk to the bus stop with my kids and not get out of breath by the time I reach to middle of the road. *I haven't had the first Asthma attack (knock on wood) *I have quit smoking (haven't had one in 3 weeks and 4 days now) *The …

Just finished a week of clear liquids.. whew. I get to have creamy soup today (almost woke up at midnight to have some.... just kidding) When you have a creamy soup, do you strain it or put it in the blender??? Becky

Hello! I had my surgery on Sept. 23rd and overall I am doing fine besides this horrible cough!! I've been told that sometimes when you are intibated/ventilated? it causes the throat to be sore but I never thought I would cough this much. I can't stop!! Then after much coughing it starts to hurt my stomach because it is still sore. Also what about gas pains in your shoulder? Only on my left side I am having serious pains. From my shoulder to my waist, mainly the shoulder. When should I expect this to go away? By the way....I have never smoked!! Thanks, Anjie

anyone else have problems removing the glue from around your incisions? i can't seem to get the glue off and i had surgery 3 weeks ago! how did you get yours off?

I'm lost, is this where I am suppose to put my first post? I clicked on FAQ and it said that page could not be found. Is "a new thread" the same thing as a new post? I just found at the bottom of the page the button that said "new thread" My surgery was a week ago Monday and I am having some pain issues with what someone called esophageal spasms. Any one heard of them???

I had my surgery on Monday, the 22nd. There was more pain than I had anticipated. Especially where the port is. I thought the port was down by your abdomen. Mine is under my right breast. I had to stay an extra day in the hosptial because I had trouble urinating when they took the catheter out. My last pain meds were 11 PM Monday night because earlier that night I had dry heaves - not pleasant.:smile2: So I decided no more pain meds because they also can affect ability to urinate. But I don't really need them. I took some liquid tylenol at home yesterday. I also have pain in my left shoulder. It's better today. I am on the clear liquid only phase until I see m…

Hmmm... ok, where to start. I had to do a 30 day liquid diet before surgery (most ppl only do 2 weeks but had a very precocious doctor.) And in that 30 days i lost a wopping 37.2 lbs. Sounds amazing i know but i really did do my only all liquid diet and i walked 30 min. 6 days a week. 15 days after surgery (sep. 15) i had my post op appt. and i find out i gained 2 lbs back and im still walking 6 days a week but ive now progressed to food but im still keeping that under 1000 cals a day. Now my doc says thats normal cuz i went 30 days no food then suddenly im eating again and my body is recooperating from surgery. Its now sep. 24 but i havent weighed since my post op appt s…

I'm 9 weeks post op and I've been amazed by the whole banding experience. I've followed my doctor's instructions and have lost over 40 pounds. I've been pain-free for about 2 -3 weeks and felt GREAT until I lifted a 40 pound bucket of cat litter in costco today. :cool2: I was being careful, but I felt something internal - and to the left of my port - SNAP when I was lifting. :eek: It didn't hurt at first, but before I left the store, I felt a sort of burning, nagging pain. :tt2: [i got my doc's clearance for lifting a couple of weeks ago.] I was worried I'd damaged the tubing connecting my port, but now I think (and hope) I just tweaked something that was barely healed.…

I keep reading about gagging and slime and pb's? Ya all make it sound like having a band is an awful thing. I was banded 12 days ago and after reading some these posts I'm wondering about my decision to have it done!

:eek:I know this is really gross but has anyone experienced bad breath and terrible gas....i don't want to leave the house....6 days post op and hungry.

I had my surgery on the 10th, and this past week my weight loss has slowed SOOO much! The first 2 weeks I lost atleast 7 pounds a week...I just weighed myself and Im only down 2 this week! ( dont get me wrong..Im happy for the 2 pounds...I am just confused as to why its not more) I'm only eating around 500 cals per day and I usually burn off 200 of those calories on the treadmill each day. So why arent I dropping weight like crazy?? Before surgery I would eat atleast 2500 calories per day..shouldnt the drastic change have me losing more each week?? I'm so frustrated and a little depressed that my weight loss has slowed down so much. Can anyone please help me understand wh…

hello i have been banded since october 2005 and went from 155kg's to 74kg's however i have gained about 15 kg's since and now weigh around 90kg's. i have had a fill recently but for the last few months i have been experiencing gas and pain in my stomach and chest which is getting worse and more constant than ever. it sort of builds up for ages and i can feel it it's like i want to burp but can't for ages and when i finally do there is a bit of a relief but only 10 or so mins later it will start to build up again. i also have quite smelly farts (gross, sorry but true) and have been trying Probiotics to see if its a stomach bacteria thing but so far to no avail. also…

I was banded on 9/23 and I think I am doing really well. Still swelled and some soreness but nothing that I can not tolerate. I am listening to the diet instructions so maybe that is helping. I know I need to exercise but what should I do? I am 5'3" tall and started my two week pre-op diet at 307 pounds. The day of surgery I weighed 296. How do I develop an excercise regimine that is practical but effective. That is the one thing that no one has gone over with me. Just says to "get exercise". Until I see my doctor two weeks post-op I can't lift anything over 10 pounds and they said to make sure I walk three times a day but that is it. And to rest if I feel tired…

Hello everyone: I just want to know if anyone has trouble with night time coughing. I'm about 3 years post surgery and would like to get a good nights sleep. I take nexium already and I have not had any fliud in my band for about a year. I sleep in a recliner or support my head with several pillows but that does not help anymore. I need help does anyone have any ideas. Thanks Kris

I was banded on Sept. 18th and I am feel hard lumps in two places! My largest cut is in the middle right below my bra line. My second largest cut is several inches lower and to the left. I thought my port was supposed to be placed below my breastbone and at the cut that is right below my bra line there is a hard lump maybe the size of a marble. But at the cut that is lower and to the left there is a HUGE, hard bump maybe the size of an egg. When I lay down you can actually see the bump. Why would I have two hard bumps?! The only one that is sore is the larger bump so I kind of figured that was the port, but really I don't know. Anyone else have anything like this?…

I am a week post op and now can eat blended soups and slimfast. I am 31 yrs old and lost 40 pounds in my two week pre diet and the first week post op. I have not had a fill yet, so I am not really restricted on portions, my question is, how many calories should I be limiting my self to. I am trying to limit what I eat, but I wan to be careful. Any help would be great

My Doctor (very conservative) wants me on a liquid diet (clear) for 4 weeks post-op. I was on one for 2 weeks pre-op and lost 20pds. I'm 9 days post-op and Starving !!! I'm breastfeeding a baby still and am struggling with this clear liquid diet now going on 4 weeks and suppose to be for 2 more weeks. I have started eating a few days ago, soft food, chewing very very well but am SO WORRIED I'm going stretch the pouch out or do something bad because I'm eating so soon. I have not had a fill yet (will in 3 more weeks) so once everything is down it's as if I don't have the band. Can drink/eat at the same time etc. I just don't want to be sabotoshing myself so soon. Any advic…

okay here;s my story I have never had a thyroid problem till now! my doctor said its sooo low and very unusual,she has started me on medication,she said this may be part of the reason why i am not losing very fast, i guess my question is there anyone here with a low thyroid? and isnt it weird that after all these years of being tested for thyroid problem, now it shows up? seems like the healthier i try to become the more ailments im getting LOL , i know none of you are doctors but any input would be great.

I realize I do have a bit of a problem with snacking. I can't eat much at one time, so by 7:30 today I have only had about 400 calories. I am about to have Peanut Butter and crackers which will bring me up to about 600 calories. My doctor is very strict and said ONLY eat 3 meals a day... however, since I can't eat much at one time, my three meals are not getting me much calories. Am I snacking because I am bored or hungry? I do worry about taking in too few calories. I had a fill 2 days ago. Also I exercised today and burned about 300 calories, so it makes sense that I'm hungry! I eat Protein first always.

I had surgery on the 24th last wed. I like usual always get nauseated after surgery. I had every med know to mad and I still felt sick. I started to dry heave once and then talked myself out of anymore. I was given a standing order for Zofran, which seemed to help. No more nauseau to say since last night. I awoke with alot of gas and had to go to the bathroom. I was relived I did that soo soon. After going I felt like I was going to throw up. I dry heaved very lightly 2 times and only burped like crazy. I then felt soo much better. Today I decided with my hubby to run out for like an hour. He ran into the store and I was having gas pain that I could not burp out (just lik…

Ok i posted this same question on another part of this board, but maybe i'll get a better response here. I am 7 months out and have lost about 40 pounds. I am stalled right now in the losing game, and the only thing I am losing is excessive amounts of HAIR! I don't mean a few strands here and there I mean clumps of my hair every day are falling out. Thanks to God for giving me a thick mane to begin with so it isn't so noticable. Anyway, I do get all of my protien in, as that is pretty much all i eat. I am not totally sure what else could be causing th problem. Is there a time frame as to when this will settle down or should i go wig shopping soon? thanks, Patti

I feel like I'm being so lazy at this point, but when I try to do anything for too long I just can't, I have no energy, is this normal or am I doing something wrong, I'm also having a hard time getting all the food I'm suppose to have down, I'm beginning to feel so depressed lately:frown::thumbup::frown::frown: Hugs Bobbie

I went to my 1st week post op appt today. I asked if any saline was in the band when I was banded? My doc told me that with the type of band I have and it was 1-2cc in it already. So is that a good thing or not. I am on mushies today and I had some chicken in the can and some broccli all to equal up 2oz. I wasn't hungry anymore, I had a protein shake and that was it. Is this good or not?

Hi Guys I have been banded a week ago and have some real discomfort around the port site with lots of bruising. Uncomfortable in bed. Anyone else experience this and were you told that this may happen? Ed

Hey all. I was banded August 7th, and have been off to a really great start thus far. About 4 weeks ago, one of my incisions (the far one on the left, not the port one) that had seemed to heal up great, developed a "bubble" that finally popped and drained for days. And it HURT! I know I should have gone to the doctor then, but I kept slathering Neosporin on it, hoping it would go away. It had definitely gotten better, but was still a bit puss-y up until this past Friday, when I went to my regular doctor for a sinus infection. I was explaining to her some other things that were going on - I had started discovering little pus-filled blisters on my arms and breast -…

I was just banded Sep 18, 2008. Everything seemed to be fine. I'm still on liquids. I see the Dr. tomorrow for my 1 week appt. I believe that he will release me to soft foods then. As I was on full liquids. There were times where I feel like I want to burp and I can't. I feel it coming up and then I get a pain in my chest where it won't come up. When I asked about it I was told to walk and it will come up, but it doesn't. Has anyone ever had this problem just being banded?

I was banded on the 17th of September. Feeling great, recovered quickly- in the mushie stage now. I have lost 12 lbs already and Monday will start to go to Curves again. I am having one problem, the drinking water before after and during meals. Can you tell me the reason they do not want you to drink at those times? Is it because it fills you up before meals, and then washes it down, therefore allowing you to eat more? Or is it because it may cause you to get stuck? Thanks

Hey all, just thought I would share my experience from today with all of you. My husband and went to shoneys for lunch. The Doctor said that when I went out to eat not to order my own plate just nibble off of my hubbys plate. Less cost and not having to worry about over eating. Well, that is just what we did. He ordered the lunch bar. I explained to the waitress that I had just had the lapband surgery and what my doctor had told us to do. She was more than fine with this as long as I didn't make a trip to the bar myself and the plate stayed on his side of the table. All was fine with the 2 of us on that. My hubby comes back with turkey, dressing, greenbeans, a…

I was banded on September 9 and I quickly lost 12 pounds, in pretty much the first 5 days or something like that. But since then I haven't lost a pound. It's been almost two weeks since I lost anything. I've been following the diet pretty closely. I'm on mushies now and I'm eating non-fat cottage cheese, hummus, non-fat yogurt, soup, scrambled egg, and sugar-free protein drinks. I don't have much restriction now. My doctor said not to worry about portions right now, just focus on healing. I am not restricting my portions now, but I know I am eating far less food than I used to, and much lower carbs and calories. I am drinking unsweetened iced tea all day. I haven…

Ok so I have been banded 09/17/08, I am banded for only 9 days. I feel soreness still at the large incision site,,my doc things I am fine though. How long did you guys feel the soreness for,,I still can't lye down on my side. I am so depressed wondering if I made the biggest mistake of my life. I am so frustrated with lack of eating. Any kinds words out there to keep me on the right track?

I have noticed over the last 3 days, I have had horrible stomach cramping after eating. I drank some water this morning, took my bp med and my stomach was already hurting :tongue2: its a concern because yesterday i had for breakfast half of a protien drink and chicken broth and when i went to work, I almost went in my pants :wink2: Not to be too graphic sorry but its concerning. after every meal, im feeling sick to my stomach. I have also felt very shakey especially in the mornings. My weight loss as stopped as well. I have eating anything or drank anything thicker than yogurt, and havent introduced any new things that i havent ate before. Any ideas??

hello having my surgery oct 1. Wondering how much time out of work is needed. I do somewhat physical work. Truck driver making deliveries unloading trucks , climbing in and out truck many times a day . Any advice would be great. Thanks

I was banded yesterday. Things are going great. I had to be at the hospital 6 am and was in surgery by 730. I was knocked out before I even made it to the operating room. The anestesia doctor and my doctor came and talked to me before surgery. They had to repair a hiatal hernia I had (No one knew I had it until then, but my reflux should go away now) and then banded me. I was up walking by 3 pm. I was even told I didn't get a gold star for "running", so I guess I was going to fast for them and slowed down. I walked around the floor three time every 1 and 1/2 hour even through the night. I seemed to wake up every 1 1/2 hours and got up went to the rest room and the…

I hear some patients get a stuffed bear in the recovery room after the surgery from a nurse. Is that True? If so that's very sweet. :confused:

confused . I never got a choice of band and dont know how many types of bands are there . can someone plese let me know about the types of bands and their advantages and disadvantages so that i can have a discussion with my doc ... is there a band called velocity

I had surgery about a month ago and my first fill 4 days ago. I am into the regular diet stage now. The fill gave me a little more restriction (I got stuck for a second on a bite of biscuit but I could handle well-chewed chicken today). What I am wondering is, as you are adjusting to the band, how do you gauge how much you should eat? Do you follow a specific measurement or go by a feeling? I ate about 1.25 cups for dinner and I felt satisfied and very slightly full (not uncomfortable at all). I was reading on one site that you should never feel your restriction and always stop eating before you can feel it at all, but isn't that how people determine that they are f…

Hey everyone, I had my 2nd fill yesterday and I have a question I am hoping I can get an answer to. I was eating my supper and I started having this feeling of pressure and tightness in the lower part of my chest. It was hurting or painful pressure. Is this the restriction feeling that people say they have or what?

I don't feel anything, I don't feel hungry I don't feel full, eating is a chore, its easier just not to do it because I can't feel ANYTHING. Is this normal... most every one I have read about is either hungry or restricted, not nothing.

I know this is a wierd question, but I am a week Post op(lost 40 lbssince starting pre surgery diet) and I dont know if it is a normal thing, or if it is from some kind of hormonsl thing, but my deodorant does not seem to be working as well. I am not saying I smell badd, but I am getting that end of a hard day at the office smell a little earlier and a little stronger. Maybe I am wierd, but I was just wonderin if this has happen to anyone else:bored:

Hi I'm 3 months post op from my band and have only lost 32lbs. Only 2 since 2 fills in the last month. I was late getting my first fill and I have 5cc at present. I don't really fill alot of constriction when I eat. But I'm sticking to the low portions and correct foods. I'm very frustrated, cuz I pretty much am doing exactly what I'm suppose to do. Maybe I'm getting too much sodium, or not drinking as much water, I don't know, but I'm kinda getting depressed about it. People tell me there are plateaus, but I hate to think I've hit one already. I'm getting another fill in 2 weeks. Anyone feel this way or have had similar experience would love to hear. Need some i…

I am excited so I thought I would share this with all those out there. mY doc Sashi Ganta in Austin Texas has come up with new ways to do the Lap Band I wanted to let everyone know out there who is thinking of getting it done. I am having this technique because it will be better for less scarring as well as recovery time is better, I hope u find this helpful if u have any questions u can call his office. Follow the link I am setting up to read all about him and his new technique he just pioneered.He is a great doc as well as a smart one. There is alot of info on this web site about him so read about him and see what u think about?? Austin Institute of Bariatrics and …

Hi My surgery was Sept 8. I started having these stabbing pains on top of my left shoulder on Sept 13th, they just won't stop. They start mid morning and last all day. The only thing that helps is laying down. My surgeon said it was gas, but it should have gone away already so he told me to try gas x. It's not working. Has anyone else had this problem? HELP!

I wanted to get ideas of what people did for their mushie food stage. What did you eat for Breakfast, lunch and dinner to keep you full in between your meals? I am so used to eating 5-6 times a day, that I want to make sure I only eat 3 times a day and stay full in between. I look forward to your ideas!:smile2: