POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Ok so I have a lot on my mind and not a whole lot of time. First I want to get a group of people that I can get to know that have had their surgery about the same time I did July 10th, 2008 so I can share similar things with them. So you wanna be my friend? Also someone that started with a higher weight... like I have seen tons of banders that started at like 220 or smaller and sometimes I feel like we don't have a whole lot in common, not saying they didn't need it just as much as I did, just different struggles I believe. I started at 372lbs 2 weeks Pre-op. Dowm to 350 now. Or maybe mothers with small children that have a hard time when their child leaves that one chick…

I am still awaiting my band, however have an odd question~sorry! I'm a nurse and at work tonite I had a patient become sick and vomit. What can happen to your band if you get ill? We all can get the flu, do banders vomit normally? Can the force cause the bad to shift? Again, sorry, but I couldn't help but wonder.

I'm scheduled for my first fill on Tuesday and am wondering if you can give me some insight on what to expect: 1. What is it like getting the fill? 2. I've been chewing well and no problems with food - will having restriction change that? 3. I've heard that you take two bites and you're full. Is that true? Thanks!

I just started the mushy stage and am wondering how I'm supposed to get all 70 gms of Protein in at this stage? I'm so used to drinking the shakes to get the protein and knew I could control my calorie intake but how do I do that with food without stretching my pouch? I really struggle with forcing myself to eat especially since I'm not really hungry. Any advice would be appreciated.

Alright so I know that self loathing and hating myself is what got me here. I would over eat, be mad at myself and eat more. So look here is what I am looking/begging someone to help me with. I log everything I eat in a day and I want some feed back please. I had surgery May 30th and I was an open surgery, and on Clear liquids for a month. It took me a while to heal and I feel almost 100% better. So I have had one 3.5cc fill in a 7cc band. I have some restriction, but not nearly as much as I thought I would. Below are a few examples of my food logs...feedback? Thoughts? Help? Thanks everyone.. July 21 I can tuna with lite mayo 9 crackers -whole wheat low fat and sodiu…

I was one of those people who had two fills and could still eat an entire chicken. Last Friday I went for yet another fill and now understand what restriction is. I pb whenever I eat chicken. I am full on 1/2 an english muffin with protein on it. I am now eating like a normal person. of course, it has been 5 days and I haven't lost any weight but that is OK. I think you have to be really forthcoming with your doctor. I really complained about the lack of restriction and they put in 2 more cc's. Stick with it and continue to go for fills.

K I want to say right off the bat that I know this isnt a miracle cure and that the weight wont drop off overnite. But I never expected it to be this damn hard to lose this weight.:redface: I go to the gym, I eat right, I try to remember to drink alot of Water and crystal light. I am probably hurting myself sleeping til noon and that might be messing up my metabolism and not going to the gym until afternoon when to speed the metabolism I've read you need to go to the gym in the morning. But still I didnt expect it to be this damn hard to lose this weight.:mad: I am losing weight in my neck, my arms, my legs, even my boobs..but there is NOTHING COMING off of my stomach. I …

I had my surgery July 2nd and everything has gone fairly well. I had a lot more pain than expected and my appetite was pretty much null and void until about 4-5 days ago. I struggled to even drink Water. I know this is bad, but I haven't been able to even get in a fraction of the Protein I should. Protein shakes do not sit well on my stomach (didn't even before surgery) and I've been scared to get sick. My supplements upset my stomach as well. I know this is all because of the lack of food I have sitting on my stomach. My mom (who has come into town to help me recover) is trying to get me to eat (soft icecream - yes I caved for a spoonful, cream of wheat, a litt…

I am planning to be banded in Oct. Since I have decided to do this(June 10th) I have lost about 15lbs. I know when I have the surgery that I will probably loose more and between now and then also. My question is has anyone ever waited a very long time for a fill because they were loosing ok with out one? How long can the band stay in with out having to be filled? Also once every thing is healed and before a fill how much restriction is there? Ps Going for my upper GI today, one step closer.

Hi all, Just wondering if andybody had the same problem after banding as me? I was banded Feb 18th, 2008. At first fill appointment (fill was very difficult and painful) 2 or 3 days after that I experienced a severe reddening around the port scar incision. It was extremely painful Went off to the doctor who performed my banding and was informed that I had an infection which was treated by 2 courses of anti-biotic It went away and now 3 months later has come back again. The doctor has ordered blood cultures to see if anything grows and I am now on 2 courses of anti biotic. I asked teh doctor when I finished the course of anti biotic would be sure that it would nt…

okay im almost 4 weeks out from surgery and still after 4 weeks have gas!! it doesnt hurt BUT i cant stop burping or pardon me (breaking wind) lol anyone else goin on 4 weeks or more with gas still?:seeya:

Hi all! So my surgery date is set, but unfortunately my husband will be out of town for work that week. His trip was set prior to my surgery date, but once I got the date I didn't want to give it up because I'm hoping to be well on the way to recovery before classes start again at the end of August. Anyway, my mom will be there to take me home - and I doubt she'll just drop me off and leave, but I assume I'll be home by myself that evening, and the rest of the week. I know everyone's recovery is different, but after some of the things I've been reading I'm concerned it may not be a good idea to be alone the first few nights. Does anyone think this will be a proble…

oh yeah i'm a whiny baby...3 days post op...hurts to get out of a chair, hurts to get out of the bed, hurts to burp,cough ect....all my incisions are pretty sore to the touch...will walking more help?...cause i sure will do it!! the first day i walked every hour at least for 5-10 minutes like the nurse told me, yesterday didn't walk as much, but did go to walmart in the evening...that was like an hour walk (very, very slow pace, but i walked) so more walking or is it something that just takes time to heal

One week of bad eating has ruined an entire month of good eating and excerise for me. The first month after surgery I was going to the gym 5 to 6 days a weeks, eating right, small portions, I was doing well. Then "summer" hit and I got caught up in barbeques and party after party and night outs with friends and I gained 5 lbs. I just had my second fill (2.5 cc for a total of 5.5 cc's in a 10 cc band) and the nurse told me I had only lost 4 oz this month. I wanted to cry. I am so angry with myself. And I think the alcohol had a big part to play in me gaining weight back. It seems every other day for the past week I'm at some party and having a few drinks which makes me eat…

Since getting my first fill I have been unable to swallow my One a day multivitamin. I've tired cutting it in half but most time it still get stuck. I'm not a big fan of the chewables but at this point it's better than getting the 'stuck' feeling...OUCH!

My surgery is scheduled for Sept. 4th. I'm 5'4 and 230lbs and I've been wondering if I will have very much loose skin after I lose the weight. I know its different for everyone, but I'd like some responses on other people's experiences with this.

OK, this is totally basic - what is PBing - what does it actually stand for? What's the difference between that and sliming? I was just banded yesterday.

Ok-so I got banded on July 29th and I got released the same day. I was a little upset that my own surgeon didn't even come see me before I got discharged. Anyways, I get home and have followed the instructions that were given by my surgeon's office. Here are my questions...I've been drinking chicken broth, water and had a sugar free jello. When is it good for me to have my tomato soup? or cream of soups? Also, regarding my incisions...The doc said I can remove the gauze after 24 hours but keep the "stickies" (sticky tape) that are on my stitches. So, does that mean I have to replace the gauze? Can I take a shower like regular but just be careful about touching my i…

I am 3 1/2 weeks post -op - have been able to eat soft foods and even steak as long as I chew it well no problem - have even had sips of tea during meals no problem - this morning I ate my usual boiled egg for breakfast, it would not go down and I got sick - at lunch I rolled up some turkey and ate it and it got stuck - feeling I needed to eat something else at 3:30 I ate some mashed potatoes and they got stuck - what is the deal? Thanks

So this morning I noticed puss on one of my cuts near the big port cut. My incisions are glued with nothing on them I came out of surgery like that. Anyways so I call the nurse then the dr. He called in antibotics and said take a shower wash it and take the glue off. Ok so I did this and the glue came off 2 of my incisions well now I have 2 wholes on my stomach... So of course I called back to the nurse she was worried so she said I had to talk to the dr. Fine I did that and he said as long as its not red or bluish and I am not running fever then I will be ok. Ugh So has anyone else had this? Now I am worried I will have bad scars also I am worried about the holes in my t…

Cutting the extremely long last six weeks into a shorter version. THIS IS SHORT!! I wonder when I will be able to 'just get on and live with my band!:?" I had my surgery on 18th June. No problems. Week 1. I had extreme port pain.. which didn't go away. I was told it was ok. Although situated under left boob. Week 2. I was admitted to hospital with temp 102 and liquid situated around my surgery area-internal. Week 3... adjusting to antibiotic hell and accompanying yeast infection. NICE.. no real problems with the band. Quite hungry though. Normal. Week 4. First fill. Dr couldn't access port after three attempts. Then under local anesthesia in op room he opened me up…

Alright people .... i was banded on the 21st of this month and i have the usual gas, pain around the port, bloating and the rest of the good stuff. I am currently walking 1 1/2 miles a day ( which i have to say the only walking i did prior was from the couch to the fridge) so things are going normal i guess. I do have one question for anyone who can help. I have not yet had a nice bowel movement ...... is this normal ? I feel like i have to go but then nothing or just a rabbit turd (lol)...... i dont think i should take a lax. but who knows. Please someone tell me that they went through this or are still going through it.

I had surgery on 7/1/08 and am due for my follow-up appointment on August 14 with Dr. Woodman in Memphis. I had a friend who had lapband performed by Dr. Woodman about a year ago, and she stated that she had a hard time getting a fill from him. I feel no restriction at all and am nervous about going back to him. Has anyone else had this experience with him? Terry

I have no idea what I should be drinking can someone give me some ideas. I have been on water and maybe 6 table spoons of broth and 2 popcicles for that last 5 days I need ideas I am feeling kind of weak. Even to to point of hungry. I have lost 11lbs since 5 days ago. YIKES!!!

I was one of those people who had two fills and could still eat an entire chicken. Last Friday I went for yet another fill and now understand what restriction is. I pb whenever I eat chicken. I am full on 1/2 an english muffin with protein on it. I am now eating like a normal person. of course, it has been 5 days and I haven't lost any weight but that is OK. I think you have to be really forthcoming with your doctor. I really complained about the lack of restriction and they put in 2 more cc's. Stick with it and continue to go for fills.

Hi I am in the beginning stages of preparing for the Lap Band Surgery. I was just wondering if over all, are you happy that you had the surgery, would you do it over again? Or are you someone that wishes you never had it done? I just want to collect some data for myself as i continue on this Journey to a Better Me :wink2:

Is it ok to drink Naked Juice? They have a protein one... with 38 grams of protein??:confused2:

Hi Im booked in to get the lap-band on the 7th aug sooo looking forward to it. I love food and im just wondering after the liquid period and the mushie period and you go on to normal food are you still allowed to eat takeaways, im starting to grieve already for them, Im hoping i can still eat them but not as much as i do now. I was hoping to have them once a week.

I just two weeks out post surgery for banding in Doha, Qatar. It was a very painful experience post surgery as they do not use Morphine, Demerol or Fentanyl for pain. They only use drugs from the Panadol (Tylenol) family. Not very effective in fighting pain. I had nausea post surgery and since I am a nurse I knew to ask for anti-nausea medication and I had to insist otherwise I don't think they would have given it to me. Just a warning, the anethesiologist is lousy at Al Emadi hospital. She is a woman, who managed to chip my two front teeth, and I had sores in my mouth where she did protect my tongue properly while I was intubated. I also had a bad throat infecti…

Do any of you feel tighter while on your period? I was banded on 7/2 and have had no fills to date. My first fill is 8/15. I started my period two days ago and today I have felt extremely tight. I've had some restriction during the entire recovery process, but today I can barely get down mushies. There's no PB'ing or sliming, because I'm not letting myself get that far, but it does feel weird (not bad or painful, just weird). Is this what true restriction feels like? Just curious! Thanks. :wink2:

Helpppp! I need some positive words of encouragement. I can eat a large amount before i feel full. I am scareddd. when i first came out of surgery and for the following few days, it only took about 4 oz of food to fill me up. all the paperwork i have from the doc and dietician says to eat until i feel full or until i feel pressure. The problem is i can eat as much as i could before being banded and still don't feel pressure. It takes a lot to fill me up (3 cups easy). I do not eat and drink at the same time. I am eating what i am supposed to and i have 2 more wks before my first fill. I have gained back 5 lbs of the 12 i lost after surgery. I am really feeling discouraged…

Well, it finally happened. I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later. I PB'd for the first time. Holy Mother of God, that was AWFUL! I came home absolutely starving, and a neighbour happened to meet up with me at the door, so I was talking to her while eating (you can see where this is going, right?). I was eating some regular lunchmeat ham. About 3 slices rolled up. I *knew* it didn't go down well, and thankfully, it was just 'uncomfortable' while she was here. I yakked it up after she left - and not very gracefully, I might add. I felt a lot of irritation along my esophagus and just felt kind of crappy, so laid down on the couch for a little nap. When I…

hey everyone.. i'm almost 4 months out after my surgery and have had 2 fills, it will be 3 next week. my problem is i've gotten really tired lately and have lost almost half the hair on my head. i slacked for a month or so on my vitamins but have started religiously taking them again. has this happened to anyone else?

I'm 3 months post op, had one fill, 2cc's, and due to get my second fill Thursday. After the 1st fill I never felt "great" restriction but I could tell a diff. Well I feel/know I"m eating too much, thats why I called for a second fill. I can eat a six inch subway turkey sand. If you had good rest. you wouldn't be able to eat this right????? I AM still losing though, but I'm worried that am I stretching my pouch by eating this much? (I don't eat this much all the time, just sometimes) I plan on asking my surgeon Thursday. The bad habits are pop! I didn't drink pop for 2 months, and ever since I took a sip, I love it once again. Again, it's not everyday, but I can def. te…

Hi I am in the beginning stages of preparing for the Lap Band Surgery. I was just wondering if over all, are you happy that you had the surgery, would you do it over again? Or are you someone that wishes you never had it done? I just want to collect some data for myself as i continue on this Journey to a Better Me :wink2:

Hello can someone please eplain to me these protien bullets? What they look like and what the actual name is? I went to my local GNC and they didnt have anything called protien bullets but the container they were in resembled a bullet. Is this it? lol if so how do i drink them? Like a shot, or mix them? Also is this an ok way to be getting in some protein even though im over a month post opp? I meen i feel like i am gettin as much meat in as i used too before the band, but is it even more important now?? Thanks So much for listening!

I know that chicken is used alot for the protein and also fish. But my question is, (I am sure I know thew answer) but the breaded kind of fish is a no no right? And what about chicken should it always be skinless too?

I am 5 months post op and I have 5cc in a 10cc band. The last two weeks my restriction is even tighter than normal. I can not figure it out. I had to cut my oatmeal to 1/2 cup in am, cottage cheese 1/3 cup for lunch and dinner was 1/3 cup smashed beans. Just a few weeks ago I was eating salads and fruits and now I just have no room for anything. I have been at 5cc since April and I was happy with the restriction until now. Does anyone know what could be going on with me. I do see the doctor on July 25th but I thought I would get some advice before then. I would appreciate your help

I am dying to chew something crunchy and I am on mushies :teeth_smile: What can I have to satisfy this craving?

Was banded 6/17/08. Things have gone very well up until yesterday noon. I was nervous while eating some deli turkey and immediately knew I was going to have problems being stuck. Pretty sure that I chewed well but thinking that it's something I just do not tolerate. I am getting some Water down but nothing else. Just so I don't drive myself silly worrying that I did damage to my band, can someone just explain to me what it feels like to be stuck and how long b/4 this might pass? I appreciate it. (BTW, I already talked with my dr.'s office).

My doc has me drink liquids the rest of the day after the fill, mushies the next day until noon on the third day. Is this what most docs do?

OMG i just saw my boobs in shadowed like and the stretch marks are horrible do they get better or worse after i get the band and lose the weight i'm 23 does that matter. argh i hate stretch marks!!!!:eek:

About a month ago I ate something mid-morning and got the stuck feeling but didn’t vomit. When I tried to eat lunch that day, I couldn’t keep anything down. I kept vomiting what appeared to be thick saliva. This went on for the remainder of the day and got to the point where I couldn’t keep liquids down. It was like the liquid would hit the thick crap in my esophagus and bounce right back up. It wasn't long before I gave up on eating/drinking for that day, took some gas-x strips, went to bed and hoped to wake up to a better day…which I did. This past weekend I swallowed a bit of food and immediately wanted it back. Apparantly I didn’t chew it well enough b/c I got the …

I was wondering if you must be intubated during the surgery to put in the lapband? Has anyone not been intubated for the surgery?

:eek: Not exactly sure what's going on here... I don't go to my doctor until Aug 27th, but it seems as though I am getting severley bloated everyday!!! It happens at night usually, although I woke up one morning because of it. And it is strange because it doesn't feel like the same kind of "bloaty" feeling I had before surgery, it's almost a sharp pain right where my stomach is (not nauseas though). I have been taking gas-x and it seems to help after a couple hours. I was just curious, is this normal? Does this problem go away after time? I was banded on 7/1/08 and I just started solids last Tuesday... could this be some more healing going on? Help!

4 days post op, I have a yucky mouth - even though I'm flossing, brushing and rinsing with Listerine. Probaby have horrid breath too. Any remedy? Sympathy? Can I have breath mints?

I was banded Dec 21, 07. I have 3cc of fill in a 10cc band. I would say that not 3 days go by without me having to throw up most of my meals. I am really frustrated. I KNOW that I am not getting enough nutrition. the things I can eat are weird. I can handle filet mignon, but can't handle ground meat or much else in that department. I can handle cruncy failry easily. I can even eat popcorn. I still can't eat bread at all. I can handle some veggies. This morning, I tried to eat some chicken and after 3 bites, I had to stop because I could tell that I was stuck. Also it takes me so long to eat that I get frustrated and just stop eating my meal. I do not feel…

After so long, I got it today. And it was rather interesting. It really didnt hurt, although it was a little uncomfortable, cause I had to do a mini crunch, with my left arm behind my head, while he did it. But surprisingly it didnt hurt. He put 5ccs in. Told me that I can eat solids. I need to exercise more. And lay off the high amounts of protein. Cause that was hurting me more than helping me. Everything went smoothly, and I was really pleased. I ate dinner tonight, and felt restriction. Just have to remember I have to take it a lot slower, steadier, and I have to remember what foods hurt. But for those of you who havent had a fill yet, I wouldnt worry too much, the on…

I can't seem to feel it. Where is the port supposed to be? thanks!

I'm 9 days post-op and still on clear liquids and protein shakes. I know after surgery I was told to sip, sip, sip but am now able to drink without any pain. My question is, can I stretch the pouch if I drink a cup of liquid within 5 minutes or should I still be sipping?