POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hey everyone. My name is Michele. I'm from Tennessee and was banded in August of this year. I have only lost 16 pounds but well on my way to a slimmer me. I have been looking around on this site since about 2 weeks before I joined the lapband world and finally decided to join this evening. I am hoping to make some online friends to share stories with on what we are going through. I have already had my first fill and will be going back for my second fill this coming Thursday since the first one has done nothing for me. I am really hoping the second one give me some restriction. Any comments from anybody will be well welcomed. I hope everyone out there in ban…

Went to a party Saturday night- food galore- tried to be good- ate 3 shrimp, 3 spring rolls with peanut sauce (not fried), 5-6 tortilla chips with guacamole and had a little problem staying away from this delicious warm heavenly, brie cheese that kinda had some filo dough around it... Pre band- I would have done a lot more damage- and I "feel" like I was being careful- waiting the whole 30 minutes in between drinking and eating-chewing well and slow and I didn't have ANY of the desserts- so it could have been worse! so that wasn't it... Nonetheless, I stopped when my burp (not pb) just regular "burp cue" came in as I always do- but this time in 6 months I felt that Th…

I was banded February 25, 2008 and had to have my port replaced 8 weeks ago. I am worried because I have dull pain where it seems to me that my band is. Nothing horrible, I am eating and not throwing up unless of course I eat something I should not have. I have a 4cc band and I am filled to 2.8cc. This dull ache just started a few days ago, but I am still a little concerned....anyone else experience this and any suggestions?

Just wanted to say they SUCK!!! Holy crap I almost had what I guess is anxiety attack over it lol. Im never eating again EVER. Well I had ran into issues before where I felt things a little stuck but nothing like the one today, I just got schooled in BAND 101. 1) tiny bits 2) chew the crap out of each bite 3) take your time eating I broke all three rules and paid the price.:girl_hug:

Sorry for the subject but need help. Has anyone heard of smooth move tea and if so do you have the receipt? Does it work? I am only going about every 3-4 days and very little.:cry_smile: I am about 5 weeks post-op and doing mushie foods so would think I would have something.

So I had surgery August 15th. Went for my first fill about a week and a half ago. Could not do it because I was still swelled. Went today for my first fill and still could not. I was not swelled but very tender and the nurse had to get a bigger needle. Very painful and I can take pain pretty good. Going back Thursday to try again. The doctor is doing it this time. She hinted that maybe my port had flipped. How could that happen. I have been very careful. Very upset and frustrated at this point. Any advice.

Hello, Just wondering what people think. I am 11 days post op, and couldn't have asked for a better experience. I felt yesterday like I wanted to try a small piece of a piece of pizza. It seemed to go down well, then today tried a small piece of bagel. Then I decided to go on LBT.com and read that even though everything felt like it went okay, it is not a good idea, as it makes your stomach work, possibly when it's not ready to. Ut ohhh. Does anyone think that damage could have been done just in that 24 hr. period. I have been scared back into the full liquid stage as I want this experience to be a positive one all the way through. Thanks, Kdog:crying:

The Psych that did my eval is recommending to me and my doc that I see the dietician monthly and keep a food journal for her to check. I was planning on doing a food journal anyway. Anyone else somewhat required to see the dietician or nutritionist regularly post op?

was eating out today when i pbed majorly . I have no pain and no discomfort . I can easily take liquids .But I am still scared .. can i have a slip . has my pouch stretched . what precautions should I take . I was banded 06/28/08 and I haven't had a single fill . and why is it that even without a fill i cant manage much food . I have pbed about six times after my surgery but never like today . is that bad or good .. i know i am crazy but i am tensed crazy

I was banded on Aug 18, and have been doing great. I started mushie foods and last night I started getting some pressure in my upper chest and also kinda ache. I skipped dinner because I just didn't feel very good, kinda like flu symptons. It don't really hurt just uncomfortable. I thought it might be gas because I feel like I need to burp but nothing. I can eat ok and drink ok nothing comes back up but the Water and food do go down slower. So I was just wondering did something get stuck??

5 days POST OP and i dont know why i wasnt thinking,,but i just had a protien shake and i am still on "Clear" liquids. I think out of habit i made a protien skake, well i drank it and didnt realize it until I started to feel ill. Any tricks to help me feel better. I have sweats, nausau, dry mouth ect.

Do most of you weigh your food? If so, which food scale do you use. I have just been measuring mine, but thought maybe that is what my problem is.

I am going to be starting my pureed phase on Tuesday. Just interested in what people have been eating while on pureed phase? My MD has not given me an specifics on foods. Would mashed potatoes be considered pureed or soft food or are they something I should avoid all together? Any suggestions will be appreciated!!

Not the most pleasant subject I know, but I didn't know who else to ask but you guys who've been through it lol! Has the frequency and quantity of anyones bowel movements changed since surgery. I mean I know we are eating far less so I expect that the amount would be smalller. I used to be very regular ever day, but now it's like every 3 days and just a small amount. I know with all the Protein and vitamans it can become easy to get constipated but I dont feel constipated or anything, so I was just wondering if this was normal?? Thanks!

OK, here is my nightmare rendition of my gall bladder experience. Just want everyone to know NOT to blame all the problems on the band. I made that mistake for 7 months. I had it in Tijuana Mexico last October 19th, 2007. GREAT experience. I'd do it all over again in a heart beat. Late November I had my first fill, 1.6 cc. very small. Within 1 month I was miserable. Couldn't eat, always felt so full I could hardly drink. So we assumed too tight. I went back and got it all out. Still felt too tight. By January I was getting reflux. Another month, MAJOR gastro-esophageal reflux and a complete inability to eat any sort of meat, spicy foods, fried foods, etc....…

I hate those campbell cream of Soups. I thought about broccoli and cheese but broccoli is fiberous and I was told to stay away from that. Also, I'm not in the vegetable stage. What can I eat besides egg drop Soup? Thanks

How much can you eat at one feeding? I ate 1/2 cup of yogurt yesterday and that was good. But today I ate about a cup of egg drop Soup.(strained) Then I was still a little hungry but just held off.

What did you eat? I do have instructions but that are not really specific as to what I can eat and what I can't. So what I am asking is what you ate and what you were advised my you Dr that you could eat. Thanks for the info!

Hello All: I'm 3.5 post-op and was able to start eating "normal" food on Tuesday. I feel like I have been doing very good (22 lbs since pre-op diet - nothing the past week, but I've read that this is pretty normal!). However, I don't feel full until about 15-30 minutes after I eat, then I feel WAY TOO FULL! This has happened two days in a row. I thought I was eating slowly about 20 minutes to eat an average meal. I have been cutting my portions down by a least half (I do not measure specifically). Does suggestions would be great! Thanks! Dee

Hello from Idaho! I had my surgery on 9/9/08 and I'm still feeling dizzy every morning and somewhat sick until about mid afternoon. I spoke with my Dr.'s nurse, she said more fluids and protien. So I've been doing that for the past 4 days but can't shake the dizziness. Any suggestions? Thanks

first off...my scale hates me. there i said it. but i was reading a couple posts, and i'm thinking i'm getting tooo few calories...didn't notice till i started writing what i ate down... its been almost 2 weeks with no change in my weight, oh wait...i'm lieing it went up 4 lbs, and now i've lost 2 of the 4 that i gained, i've been to the gym from 30min-1hr for 7 out of 9 days... but then i started tracking my cals that i'm eating...um like 700-900/day. i'm currently going thru posts to see what a good number is, i just don't think 700 is a good number, with or without the band. and now that i have those numbers in perspective, i was burning that much at gym on eli…

Does anyone else feel like the abandoned step child or ugly duckling that no one wants? I found a doc for my first fill. And it just seems like he took the stance of..."I will will fill ya if you give me money but that is it and if you have problems you are screwed." And obviously the doc in Mexico portrays the out of sight out of mind bit. I haven't heard a peep out of them asking how I am doing. Ironically the only person that called was the guy from the place I booked the appointment with to check on me the other day which I thought was sweet that someone seemed to care. Anyways, I was wondering if anyone else felt a little unwanted and alone besides me. :thumbu…

So I got banded on Thursday, and I feel great! Gas pains are not that bad...just a little incision pain. The Doctor has made me stay in the hospital the last 2 nights because my oxygen was low and i'm a cardiac patient...but i get go home today and im looking forward to my new life!!!!

I havent been banded yet, hopefully it will be in November. I was wondering...Those of you that have lost 80 - 100 lbs, to you have excess skin that hangs?:thumbup: If so, what can you do about it. I have started taking a waterarobic class and enjoy it. Will this help?

I am 3 weeks post op today and I have a large hard lump right above my port incision, its quite painful. Its under the skin and probably the size of a golf ball, maybe a bit bigger. I'm not sure if its swelling or what but it hurts! Anyone else expierience this?

Can someone tell me why drinking is prohibited before and after meals? :thumbup:

Hi. I had my surgery yesterday and now I have a bad headache. I feel great except for this. Gas pain.. not bad...sorness in incision area... not bad. I'm drinking lots of fluids.... more?? You'd think with all of the pain meds I'm taking, that it would go away, but it hasn't. Anyone else with this problem?? Any suggestions?? Becky

I was banded on 9/5/08 and started to experience a pain in my upper, left ribcage area a day ago. It especially hurts when I take a deep breath or cough. My doctor and I are from Houston, I am currently evacuated due to IKE and am worried my doctor won't be available over the next few days. I have tried some Gas-X, walked, drank some hot tea, removed my bra and no relief. Has any one else felt this and how can I fix it????

I was eating and while it may have not been the right choice in foods (rice) it was a very small amount. BUT I got the hick-ups, I tryed drinking Water but they just got worse, then I had one big one that hurt and then it was like poof... I have no restriction now. Can the band just open up or break off? I know I need to go see my Dr. but right now that is not a choice. I am on vacation in Egypt and will not return for over a week and then I have to jump through hoops just to see him. I am not in pain but can swallow a bit of meat whole and it goes right down. Freaked out!

I was banded in mid-June, had a follow up visit a week later and everything looked good, although really nothing was done: I got weighed and asked a few questions. Insurance billed $250.00. I was then scheduled for a fill 4 weeks later, which would be 5 weeks post-op. About 40 minutes before my appointment (it takes me about 35 minutes to get to the office and I took time off from work), my cell rings and I'm told that they have to cancel my appt. because the person doing the fill had an "emergency". OK, things happen. They say they can get me in the following Tuesday. Ok, I'll be there. Tuesday comes along, again take time off and they ask me why I'm there, my appt. wa…

I understand how much protein I am suppose to have and I know that on pre-op I was suppose to keep my calories at 800 per day - but post-op how may calories are you eating and how much exercise do you do? I had my surgery on Monday the 15th and I walked for about 30 minutes (in one walk) yesterday. In tracking my calories I had about 500 yesterday - all liquid diet. Thank you for your advice and can I say what a great board this is and how much I have learned from it! Everyone is so responsive and helpful! Thanks again!!

Went to have my first fill yesterday and it turns out my large incision is infected! So now I'm antibiotics until Thursday 09/25.... I hope it hurries up and heals.... if it does then I get to have my first fill on 09/25. I'm 28 days post-op and 16 lbs down. I'm happy with my weight loss but, sometimes I just can't help but feel like I made the wrong decision by having the LapBand surgery.... I don't know....

I think I have done pretty good with not cheating since I have been banded. I won't lie, I have cheated a few times here and there, but nothing bad. I'd stop at a couple bites of chicken salad or a bite of pickle. But today, it has been a totally different story. I have no idea what is going on. I had my first adjustment on Monday this week. I still feel no restriction whatsoever. I have cheated really bad today too. I have had 8 Cookies. I called my surgeons office and they let me make another appointment for another adjustment, but its not until Thursday. I am so disappointed in myself for cheating like this. I don't know why I have let myself do this tod…

Hi, I am looking for anyone else who is banded in Albuquerque. Needing a support group or a dr in town that can do fills. I was banded in Colorado Springs, but driving back and forth is getting costly.

hello every body.i am so worry about my weight.i am banded 3 sept, in two weeks i just lost 10 pounds.and now its stop ,wht can i do now ???????i want to lose more atleast 20pounds more?????????????nizee :thumbup::sad_smile::thumbdown:

I'm coming back to work 4 days post op (no other choice in the matter unless it's absolutely impossible for me to come). What should I bring with me? What will I be able to wear? Will I be swolen? Here are just a few things that come to mind that I'll need to bring to work.... food (obviously), a few Water bottles, tums, heating pad, pillow to put behind my back. What am I missing? Are there any special accomodations I might need to arrange with my employer (aside from more time off, lol).

Hi, I was banded on Wednesday(10th) and have a few questions. 1. Do you measure your Water out and drink so much an hour? I was told to drink 32 ounces. I've been setting a timer and sipping 2 oz every hour. 2. Do you feel a heaviness in chest? If so, do you think this is a sign to stop sipping the water? 3. Do you have lots of rumbling going on? 4. Have you been able to lie down? I can't lie down but I can sleep sitting up in bed with lots of pillows. And just basically how are you doing your water? And something else- when/how are you taking your Calcium, multi-Vitamins and Iron? Thanks Sandra

Ok...Maybe it's just me...GAS IS THE DEVIL. I attribute most of my pain to that little devil, but I've been taking Gas-X and it's working. I have been waking up anywhere from 4-6 am needing a back rub. I'm finding it hard to drink enough Water, and I'm ready to eat! lol I'm sick of all the mushy foods I want to CHEW SOMETHING. I'm not puking or anything like that thank god and I'm able to eat smooth textures not just liquid. My hunger hasn't gone away in my head, but it deiniftely has in my stomach. I feel very optimistic about this, despite all the horror stories on here. Did anyone else have alot of gas? Is it normal? And also this is kind of gross I guess but I haven't…

Does anyone know if food can get stuck before I ever have my first fill?

Can we chew sugar free gum???

Hello, I have finally chosen my doctor for my surgery! I have one question that maybe you guys and gals can help me answer. The price that I am paying includes aftercare and fills for one year. But if I need an "aggressive fill" it will cost me $400 extra each fill. Do you know the difference and why I would need an " aggressive fill" as opposed to the normal fill? Thanks! Cari

Here's a little update. In the mornings when I wake up I have a pain in the upper breast area. Everyday I try to drink 3-4 oz of room temperature propel Water every hour. I read to start the day off with something warm so I started doing hot chicken broth. That seems to be ok but here's the question. If I am swollen(surgery was the 10th) would it be better to drink something cold to help the swelling go down? I'm not really sure what to try because I would hate to drink the cold water and be in misery more than I am. Also, last night I had two popsicles back to back. That really made my chest feel better so that's why I'm going with the ice cold drink the…

So I had surgery on August 7 - six weeks ago. I've lost about 15 lbs. since surgery, 35 total. I've been hovering at the same weight for at least the last two weeks. I've been exercising a lot, eating around 800-1100 calories/day. But I feel like I'm in limbo. Is this the infamous bandster hell? Between this and the fruitless job search, I'm starting to despair. (Guess I shouldn't have started halving my celexa dosage just yet! ) Anyone got any words of wisdom or inspiration or smack talk to get me out of this pit?

I'm 242 pounds. I'm 24 years old. I want to lose about 100 pounds. I'm wondering if I'll have much excess skin? Weight is a big consideration. I forgot to ask my doc, but a lot of people say that because of my age, my skin is more likely to shrink on its own. Obviously I won't ever have washboard abs without a TT, but I'm okay with a little jiggle.... I've just been watching RNY youtube vlogs and they have a lot of excess skin.... but they started at a weight much higher than mine. Anyone around my age post op and close to goal want to offer their experience?

I want to know what should be the time interval between two meals that one eats . The problem with me is that I cannot eat more than one oz at a time but then at times feel like eating again within one hour . I havent had a fill yet and am not planning to get one in near future .

long does it take you to drink your Protein shake? And how much can you drink at one time? TIA

Hello fellow September Bandsters...I am 2 days post op and feeling ok. I was surprised I had to stay in the hospital as long as I did. I am so happy it is over and everything went well. All the anxiety about my liver shrinking is also over thank goodness. Now I am just rying to heal. I lost 13 lbs before surgery on my liquid diet:thumbup: and gained like 5 lbs after surgery:mad2: with no appetite which I understand is normal because of the bloating. The gas hasn't been as bad maybe because I am trying to walk alot. Note to anyone being banded soon when the nurse ask you to use that breathing amchine thing 10 times an hour please do it, I didn't because it hurt but now I h…

Has anyone ever had their port turn upside down? Mine has done this and I have to have surgery again to correct it. If you've had this, how bad is this surgery?

Hey guys and gals, I am as of today exactly 1 month post-op. I wont lie, it hasn't been the easiest road I have ever traveled but one of the most rewarding. My first 2 weeks where the hardest. I was on Clear liquids those weeks and seeing my family go on with their hambugers and pizzas etc... well, basically, I wanted to snatched them ballheaded. But this was my decision and I knew what would come along with it when I did it. Along with the band come alot of major changes in my life. I not only had this procedure done, but the same day I had it done was the last day that I had a cigarette. I have been smoke free for an entire month, and giving them up was alot ea…

:blush:Hey Realize gang, I am one week post op yesterday and I just want to be clear that the Realize band has no fill at the time of surgery -right? This will explain why I now can chug my Water. I am in the mushy stage and I can have a pudding, yogurt and mash potatoes in one sitting also I have been able to eat a handful of cheez itz all mushy first. My question is, 1) have you gained any weight after surgery waiting for your first fill in 6 weeks? I totally feel back to normal as if I never even had the surgery. I am concerned because I might forget to watch myself. Also, 2) During the first fill are you still tender from the incision site before and after? …