POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

At first I was sad, crying; now I'm just plain mad! Bear with me, this story does have to do with my lap band! I was banded mid-June, my husband is the only one that knows and he has been so supportive. My family is just way to judgmental, and would be watching everything that went into my mouth, asking why I wasn't losing weight faster, saying I took the "easy way out", etc. My mother is elderly and doesn't drive and needs to be taken to many appointments every week. As a stay-at-home Mom of 2, that job always fell to me, even though I have 3 siblings that have felxible schedules. I or my husband have taken my mother to almost all of her appointments for the past 5 …

Hi all, I was banded Tuesday, 7/29. The first day, I was only able to eat liquids, but the second day and on I tried mushies and I was fine (cottage cheese, yogurt, pudding, soft Pasta, cheddar cheese, soft cooked chicken). I have been chewing a ton and not eating nearly the amount I did pre-band. I have lost 9 lbs so far. My question is: Is it normal to be able to eat these things so soon? I am feeling full quickly, but there is no pain associated with eating small amounts of these types of things. Could I potentially damage myself by eating like this? Any thoughts are appreciated!

I had my surgery on June 10 and my first fill on July 21. It seems that there is something not right though, I realize the band is just a tool but I would hope for more after goig through the experience. I lost 18 pounds in pre-op and have struggled to take off another 10 since surgery. I eat much less and alot better than I ever ate before the band but still the weight is not coming off. Its discouraging when you see so many who have lost 30-40 pounds post surgery very quickly. I begged for an other fill which I'm getting on the 18th. I sure hope it helps. Anyway thats my story right now thanks for giving me a place to vent.

Hi All, Something that's been bothering me for a while... I knowall about the joys of PBing. It's something I can deal with. However, I do have a worry about "traditional" being sick. I do a lot of travel. It's inevitable that sooner or later I'll eat something that gives me food poisoning. So, what happens when food has passed through the pouch, is sitting in the normal stomach area and then suddenly needs to come back up again? Does it come up ok or is it a time of terrible risk for a bandster? If so, any ideas on how to make the process as easy as possible? If, say, kneeling down is better than standing up then I'd love to know. Cheers Rich

Hello, I've not posted anything in a while, but it's all going really well - 20kg lost since April 23. Just another 3kg until I hit my first target, to be under 100kg. Anyway, I live and had my operation in Malaysia, but in December my wife and I are moving to Australia. So I have a question for Australian bandsters... Can any of you advise me about which Australian medical insurers will take me on and still cover any fills or future operations that my lapband may require? After all, it was elective surgery and when I arrive in Australia it'll be a pre-existing condition. All thoughts very much welcomed. Cheers, Rich

Hi all, I'd love some advice. I was banded on 6/30 and have been eating solid foods for about two weeks now. I eat my Protein first, then veggies, and eat around a 1/2 cup per meal 3x's a day with rare Snacks (healthy or low-cal, and only a few times a week). I occassionally eat carbs, but try to not choose empty ones. My calorie range has been between 600-900, but I've been trying to bump it up because my weight-loss has slowed some.. so now I'm probably eating around 900-1100. I'm rarely hungry and head hunger has been very slight and totally manageable. I'm supposed to be going in for a fill next Wednesday. I had planned on not having one, because I have decen…

I am 6 days post op and i was sitting at work and just realized that my stomach feels numb. Between one of my larger bruises and one of the smaller ones. I don't think that it was like this?? Maybe it was. It is about 2 inches above my belly button. Very Strange I think? Oh and my stomach by the incisions has been getting itchy, healing up pretty good, but still very bruised. Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks Sue

I am just beginning to eat solids and I ache all over. Is that an example of food sesnitivity or maybe I just have the flu - also a lot of gas pains. Can anyone help me?

i am so frustrated:angry: i was banded 23rd of june and have lost 5lbs!!! not great. yesterday went for pre fill appointment and had to really convince them to let me have it done, so they arranged it for next monday i was pleased as i felt that horrible dark cloud of confusion has been lingering over me. anyway got a call from the clinic today to ask when my period is due? as they can only do a fill within the first 10 days:confused:, i have pcos and explained i have no idea when my next period is as sometimes it can be 8/9 weeks inbetween which would be 10-12 weeks post op until my first fill!! the guy who does the fills only does them on a monday pm and if he is fully …

Im 19 days post op and im on pureed food... i feel like i can eat a cup or more of food til i feel full.... should i be eating less or waiting to feel satisfied? My dietitian told me this "Since the size of the pouch created by the band is initially 1/8-1/4 of a cup and then only progresses to 1/2 to 2/3 of a cup, this limits calories to about 500-600 per day during the Pureed diet (Step III) and 750-900 Calories per day during the Soft diet (Step IV). I am actually amazed that patient's can eat this much, considering the volume an average 250 Calorie meal takes" There is no way i would be satisfied off 1/8-1/4 of a cup... I thought right now i would be able to eat more s…

I have my 6 week post-op appt next week and my first fill - I have had almost no restriction. Today I ate one of my grandkids chicken strips chewed it up very well but had to go throw it up - it wouldn't go down - tonight I made a piece of halibut took a bite chewed it up well and it got stuck also. Does anyone know why all of a sudden after 5 weeks I would be having more restriction than usual. I had big-time sliming also after I tried to swallow the piece of fish. Thanks!

Hello all, Please let us know what has been the ONE most challing issue you have had to deal with during the first year of your band, and what you have done to resolve this issue. Oh and you don’t have to have had the band for a year to reply. Thanks all!!

I am totally amazed by this process. Down 9 lbs in 7 days and not hungery! I will say I fee something down there, but not the typical hunger pain I used to feel. About day 5, the day after starting chicken broth, I noticed a dull ache where I assume the band is. Today I started with cream of wheat. I noticiced it again. Not painful, slightly uncomfortable. Is it gas, Am I drinking to fast, too much Cream of wheat - wouldn't it go right throughanway? Any advice would be appreciated. EJ

I'm a little over 6 weeks post -op :wink_smile: Everything has been Great!!! the only big problem was that I was Hurgrey ALL THE TIME:embaressed_smile:. Today I had my first fill It wasn't to bad, my Dr. couldn't find the port area to put the salt water in, so I got stuck about 6 times. He had to bring in other Dr. to try to find the right area. I'm alittle sore around my port. today I got 3ccs put in, I will go back in 4 weeks for other fill

I am a little over 5 weeks post op. I am waiting for my first fill. Yesterday I had a personal pan pizza from pizza hut (I know...really bad) anyway, I took super small baby bites and chewed, chewed, chewed. Today I am having a small amount of pain in my band area. Nothing major, just a step or two over discomfort. I first noticed it drinking my Protein drink today. Could I have damaged my band?? I am so concerned about this. I was self pay and can not afford to have another surgery on it. Any input or suggestions??

I've noticed that some docs require no caffeine, some say that decaf coffee is okay, and some say no coffee at all. Just wondering; what were your instructions? And do you have any idea why they say what they say? I think that caffeine is frowned upon because it is a diuretic, and coffee in general is frowned upon because it is acidic. But what are your experiences? Thanks for the help!!

This is my first post. I was banded 3 weeks ago and never realized how difficult it would be. Does it get easier? Also when things get tough, does anyone ever have feelings of regret?:confused2:

cause I'm panicking!!! Ok I'm on mushies day 11-30 last night was day 12 and I had some refried Beans with cheese, I added Water to the beans tomake them a little more moist...ok ouch I hurt! Not bad but there's one part on my tummy that was hard to sleep on last night and is sore to the touch...should I call the doc now? Or see how I feel a little later on... Does anyone know what a slip feels like? Thanks!!!

I had my lapband surgery 5/28/08. I have just in the last couple weeks started to have heartburn....guess it's heartburn. Never had it before. Today I have it and it is almost unbearable. It hurts between my breasts. I can't work or anything. Yesterday it started between my breasts, but felt like it was hurting all the way thru to my back. But, today is the worst...just between my breast. What can I do? Update: OK the back pain is beginning again.:thumbup:

on thursday got banded on friday i came home since ive been home i feel really bloated and im sliming all the time i cant drink a half ounce of clear fluids without feeling bloated and sliming

Hi everyone...i was banded on July 8th and have lost 41 lbs. Wooohoo! The only problem is...I am SO sick of meat, cheese, and eggs. I have four more weeks until i can add in vegetables. How did all of you get though the post op diet without going crasy! Any feedback would be greatly appreciatede! Thank you so much!:cry_smile:

got banded 6/26/08. i dont get nausea everyday but i get it. my first fill is on monday, whats up with getting sick to my stomach? anyone get that way? i never get sick but i sure feel like i am going to. any advice/help/comments would be greatly appreciated! lori:shades_smile:

I am experiencing gas that is giving me cramps. I don't know if I didn't take the Maalox long enough (the whole week after the surgery, and here and there afterwards) I am farting and belching today more than I have since the surgery. Does anyone have any home remedies to get this gas out, and how long does it take for all the gas to leave. Help!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm miserable and cranky.....................

Ok, my title says it all. I ate a south beach diet meal today, and I figured ok, its small enough, I chew it well I will be ok. NOPE. Uggh and its so aggravating. Anyone else going through this? Im know when I forget to chew, I can have some issues, and it hurts, but then I stop and rest a bit then start it again going slower. Man, that meal did not cut it for me. I hated that. And the fat content wasnt what I had expected. Anyway, Need feedback. I had my 1st fill last week, a week ago today. Maybe I need another.

I was banded on July 17 and did well with my pre-op diet and 2 weeks of liquid. Now that I've started eating mushies I've lost all control. I eat more than my 2 ounces at meals and know that going off track can cause my band to slip but I'm in total denial that it could happen to me. I'm sitting here bawling my eyes out because I feel like such a failure once again. Why can't I control the food instead of letting it control me? :cool2:

When I went to my first visit with my surgeon he said that I wouldn' t be able to feel the band.. Well that surgeon had an emergency and I was switched to a different surgeon. I had met him once before the surgery and the day of I asked again, about port flipping and will i be able to feel it. He said that he puts his directly under the skin. Well I feel it it sticks out like a sore thumb!

I got my first fill today (yay me!) and have a question - I have a 14 cc band, and I found out today that they already put 4ccs in when I was in surgery. So today, I go in and the PA who does the fills asked me how much I was eating and how often I was hungry, and whatnot, and then decided to give me another 1.5 cc's, for a total of 5.5. She said she starts most people out with a 5cc total fill, but since I had 4 already she'd give me the extra half. That 1.5 ccs just doesn't sound like a lot, considering I've been almost as hungry lately as I was before surgery and I'm able to eat a lot of food (I try not to, but the hunger kicks in). So my question is... is a 1…

Hi all, got a weird situation (I have an appointment with the surgeon tomorrow so no worries on that front, I'm just looking for some input here). I never really had any port pain at all, just at the incision line. Last night I sat down kind of strangely (and quickly, I kind of plopped down in frustration over a telephone conversation) and suddenly, some pretty significant pain about 2 inches above the port incision. I poked it a bit (later when the pain went away) and found that that's where the port is! The pain kind of comes and goes now, comes when I move or stretch in a certain way or even slouch in my computer chair. Anyone have this? What might it be? I'm…

I was banded 04/04 and have only lost about 6 lbs total. Lost more, but gained some back. I progressed through the recovery period quickly... liquids, pureed, soft, etc. I am pretty much back to a normal diet now and 95% of the time feel no restriction. I've also had pain on my left side, but doesn't really seem to be related to the port site. Feels more like a "stitch" in my side like when you exercise too hard, but it won't go away quickly. Sometimes sticks with me for an hour or more, and pretty painful. (about a 7 on the scale) Could this be the gas pains lots of folks are talking about? Need lots of feedback about first fills. I am not scheduled until May 19.... bu…

Like what I mean is, is since having lost almost 40 lbs so far, now when I have coffee, chocolate or pop I get all jittery & kinda hyper :biggrin:, that has never happened before. It wouldn't matter how many coffees I had. Now, I'm practically bouncing off the wall ---- awesome time to go for a walk than. Has anyone else had that happen? I don't drink (only have once, and alcohol never affected me either), but I'm thinking if I did, that'd probably affect me too now.

Let me start by saying I was banded on the 25th of July so that makes me about 10 days out....I delivered my second son on June 3 and weighed 295...the day of my surgery, I weight 255 so I had a great head start... my experience with the dietician was not a good one and I felt like I left with more questions then answers...I was really not prepared on what to actually expect, eat, or how much of anything I could eat...I followed a post-op sheet of paper with some general guidelines.. 1-3 clear liquid 3-5 full liquid (cream Soups, skim milk, Protein shakes, stuff like that) then move into some mushy stuff, such as mashed potatoes, soft meats like tuna in the can, et…

I would love to hear from people from Virginia and else where about their life after Lap Band Surgery. Ida Kay from Lexington, Virginia. Had Surgery in Roanoke Virgina, by Dr. Bruce Long.

Had surgery a week ago and while the surgery went fine, post-op hasn't gone normal. My stomach swelled shut and nothing went through for several days, including spit. Got re-hospitalized for dehydration. I'm getting fluids down easier now, but still constantly feel so full I could burst. I wondering how fast other bandees progressed up the food ladder. I'm still on Clear liquids. I tried half a teaspoon of pudding last night and though I didn't throw it up, it felt like a lump in my throat. Will all food feel like that in the little stomach?

I had lap band surgery 11 days ago (7/10/2008). I was on a liquid diet for 4 days prior to my surgery. Between the liquid diet and the recovery after my surgery I lost 23 pounds. I have now gained 5 pounds back?? Has anyone else experienced weight gain prior to their first fill. I guess I am just confused and maybe even a little discouraged because I feel like I am not hardly eating yet gained weight. Can someone please tell me, is this normal, has anyone else experienced this? Does this mean I am going to fail? Prior to Sugery: 304 lbs :seeya: Today: 285 lbs :ihih:

It wasn't that bad I did start to sweat as I watched on the monitor. I can't do needles even when the area is numbed. Well as he was going in he bent the needle that was so embarrassing, and he said that its ok it happens all the time I was like yea right. So he started off with 3.5cc and he asked me to swallow Water, but weird thing is I was lying down how is water suppose to go right down ward?!?!?!?!?!? Well it felt like it was stuck in my throat, so he took it down to 3ccs, nope same thing water felt like it came back up, then he took it to 2.7ccs and I felt it go down and not come back or stay in my throat. So there you have it only 2.7ccs for my first fill I fe…

Hi folks! I just got banded this morning! I was the first on the schedule and everything went great. Started at 7:30 and by 9:45 I was sipping coffee in the recovery room! I'm a coffee junkie and nurse said I couldn't have any today. My doc walked by and she asked when I could first have coffee and he said, "go ahead and give him some!" Boy did that taste good. Thus far I've been up and roaming the halls, sipping broth and small Jello bites. Have not received ANY pain meds and I feel fine. A bit sore - but nothing bad at all. I told them I was about a 2 or 3 on the 10 scale. That's about it for now, but I wanted to jump on and tell everyone how much I've…

Hello to all of my fellow bandsters! I just got banded on the 29th of July, despite feeling very sore around the port site, I was feeling ok (I love my vicadon!!) Yesterday I started running a low grade fever all day long, it started in the middle of the night and I thought it had broke about 7:00pm and I started feeling much better, went for a short walk took a shower and went to bed, this morning I'm running a low grade fever again. None of my wounds look infected, on the infomational sheet that the Dr gave me said to call the office if you get a fever over 101. My question after all this rambling is... is this normal?:thumbup:

Hi all- I know this is a gross subject, but I am having alot of trouble with phlegm! It happened to me twice last week, there was so much pressure on my band that I threw up, about a half hour after I ate. I have been banded since 12/03/07. I had my 3rd fill at the end of June, and I have finally hit my sweet spot. I am not sure if I am just have an allergic reaction to the food I am eating, or if something else is going on! Anyone having this problem?? Thanks! Daynaloo:blink:

Hello All- I had surgery 7/29..today was my first day at work ( 6 days post op) and I went prepared. Had 4 oz of slim fast for Breakfast, 1/2 Jello mid morning, about 24 oz of Water through out the day, 6 oz of cream of broccoli (blended and strained) and then a popsicle...When I a finish eating this stuff I am full but an hour or two hours later, I AM STILL STARVING! What am I doing wrong?? :confused2: My boss-who had gastric bypass 5 years ago...told me that I may be ready for phase 2 (mushies). I DO NOT want hurt myself by starting on mushies too early so I will stick with my liquids. Another concern is that I am losing 2 pounds a day..that can't be normal, right? …

So yesterday was my 2 month bandiversary and last month was quite difficult for me. I started anew at the beginning of this month and am doing much better. I've already lost a few pounds. I got my second fill on the 30th and was hoping it would do something for me because I previously had no restriction at all. Well, last night I went to Boston Market and got a chicken dinner with mac and chesse, sweet potatos and cornbread. I was able to eat about half of it and I felt sick I was so full. I went and stood over the toilet for a minute because I got this rush of saliva and couldn't stop spitting and then the food just came back up. I didn't even try, I gagged twice which …

I had my lap band surgery in April, 2007. I have had very bad luck with fills. Everytime I get a fill I try to eat and then I eat too much and puke and have to have all the Fluid removed from my band. I have had barium swallows and my band is fine. I just finished a 3 month no fill rest time for my stomach and I am ready to be the perfect bandster. I got a fill on August 30th and everything was fine until yesterday. I have been eating about 1000 calories a day and plenty of Protein but yesterday I was only able to eat/drink 425 calories and 35 grams of protein. Today I have only gotten 357 calories and 25 grams of protein consumed. When I take a tiny sip, I have …

Had my 1 week post op visit today and I lost 8 lbs so far which is great considering I put on 8 lbs after surgery. I know I will cry when it's 299 that i see on the scale it's been so so long. I'll be getting a fill in 2 1/2 weeks and looking forward to it. I am not hungry yet (but I do have dreams about breaking open a popeye's spicy chicken thigh lol). I'm walking the dog for 20 min every morning and parking 1/2 mile from work to get in a little more walking. At the dr's office I saw someone who had surgery the same day - she was feeling weak and hadn't lost anything I kind of felt guilty but I'm sure my issues are coming at some point. I might as well enjoy while th…

It has been awhile sine I have been on here reading or responding, I usually just like to read and throw my two senses in every now and then. But the last time I was on here was June 18th, and that was the day of my horrible 2nd fill attempt that never happened. After 12 pokes it turns out I have to have surgery to fix the port device and to this day have not had a fill or the surgery yet..of-course due to tricare and the way the doc worded the procedure. I am scheduled to have the surgery on Aug. 26th, but it has been so hard the past month. First since I only had one fill and that was on May 21st, two weeks after that I was able to eat anything, and still that hasn't ch…

I was banded on 5/9 and several times a day I get this full painful feeling in my chest. It almost feels like I need to burb but can't. It lasts for a second or two and then goes away. Does anyone else have this?

Started on pureed food today. Had half a scrambled egg and two bites of cooked cauliflower. I know that is a weird combination, but that was all I had on hand. Any ideas for meals during this period of pureed food? Also, can anyone tell me when you can start exercising other than just walking? I am not sure if I can start now or need to wait until four weeks post surgery.

Hi All! I was banded on 6/26, and I've done really well so far. I've followed doctor's orders to a T. I'm supposed to start solid foods on Thursday. I have followed every stage of the diet and postop instruction thus far. Well, today, I had a really crazy afternoon, and I swallowed 2 pills without thinking. I was just running around, realized I needed to take them and popped them both in my mouth at the same time and swallowed. They're each probably the size of an M&M. I didn't even really think about it until now, about 1-2 hours later where I've been working at the computer and feeling something sitting kind of heavy in my stomach, then I realized what I'd done w…

Hello everyone! I'm glad to have found this site. I am 5 days post op and feeling allot of diffrent things. The biggest feeling- regret, I am so misrable, weak and I just feel terrible in general. Is it something I'm doing or this the way we should feel. I was so excited to get the surgery but I'm hungry all the time, tired and just plain sick. My husband and family have bent over backwards to help me but nothings working:( Anyway if anyone has any helpful thoughts my ears are open:) I haven't shared with my friends because I just feel this is private so I have no one to talk to... Thanks all:confused_smile:

Hi all, I was banded two days ago and am on the full liquid diet. Currently everything I drink, i.e. Soup, Protein, Water, etc. goes through me and I have to use the bathroom. I have already gone about 8 times in the past 5-6 hours...is this normal or should I be worried. I am concerned that I might dehydrate since I am losing all of the liquids I put in my body....PLEASE ADVISE!!!:confused2:

Good morning. I am 3 months out this week and have lost about 30 pounds (I was over 300 to start so I thought it would be a little more by now but that is okay). July was a crummy month for me. On the 4th of July I slipped and fractured my foot throwing off my exercise routine- I was just about to get back to the pool to start swimming again last week when I got a sinus infection and had a lot of problems with my allergies. Now (the reason for my post) Saturday I had a stomach bug or something and threw up (first time in 3 months). Since then I can not eat and even drinking hurts- I tried a banana and it stayed down but it hurt. I feel like I have horrible gas or I fe…

Hi everyone, I had my surgery two days ago and have been tracking my calories via the Realize site. How many calories should I go for? Today I got something like 763, with 90 grams of Protein. Seems like a really low # but I'm getting my protein in, for sure. Any advice?