POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

okay i can seriously drink alot, im talking easy the 80-100 fl. oz with no problem, and i can eat like 4 sugar free popsicles, and i usually do 1 can of broth a day. Ummmm maybe thats way to much liquids, im not really sure. I have no problem with fluids, like ive read so many people do so im kinda worried. Anyone else out their that can drink alot of fluids no problemo?? im 5 days post op, no hunger yet, bowels working, just can pack away alot of fluid:confused:

Hi! I am just wondering... How do you flip or slip? Is this common? If this happens will it be obvious? like what are the symptoms? I'm just curious so many new things to learn about. I was banded on June 11th and I'm putting together info for my own personal reference. Boy oh boy I thought this was going to be a breeze and I had so much info prior but everyday i learn something new. Its sooooo amazing!! xox Barbie

My sister and I were both banded 1 month apart from each other, her in April and me in May. She has had 1 fill of 4cc'c but still has no restrictions. Since her surgery she talks about certain foods getting stuck???? If she has no restriction on the amount of food intake yet then what is she talking about some foods getting stuck like baked chicken for one. I have heard of food getting stuck in the pouch but if she has no restriction yet I can't see that being the reason....has this happened to anyone else with no restriction??? I on the other hand have no restrictions and all foods seem to go down just fine.....unfortunately.....

But I am soo happy I did..well Im 1 week p/o today...Im starving.:smile2:.liquids are going through me and im hungry 5 mins later..I need something thicker but I still have a wk of clear liquids:scared2:..so I take measures into my own hands,, I thought of a plan and then executed it.. 1 can of refried beans:thumbs_up: 1 can of water:thumbs_up: 1 outlet plug:thumbs_up: 1 blender:thumbs_up: Here goes...about 3 mins later I was enjoying a nice warm cup of refried Beans turned into straight liquid.:thumbup:.and it was so good lol..Granted I was starving..but it sure cured my hunger..20 mins later I am sitting here still full , no pain,no nothing..just a happy full fee…

Hey guys, I am about four days post-op. I am having a stinging pain that I thought was probably the port as I have read it can be very sensitive for some time. However I'm not sure where my port is. I mean I assume it is under this one stitch that is swollen and I think I can feel this hard lump. However my pain is located about 4-5 inches below this spot to the right of my belly button. Should I be feeling pain in this area even though it is not near my port. Or maybe I don't know where my port is. Any help would be great. It only hurts when I twist my body or try to lay on my side so this is why I thought it was port pain.

Any suggestions for mushies for a person who doesnt cook. I will buy soups but any other suggestions...Microwaving is not a problem.

Hi all, I got banded on the 26th. I also had a lengthy hernia repair done at the same time (I was in surgery over 4 hours) Right now I am having "waves" of pain. They seem to start right under my breasts, and move upwards and outwards. I can't even breathe during these pains. They only last about 15-20 seconds at a time (though it seems like forever ) I called my surgeon yesterday and told him I had so much gas that I couldn't get rid of. He told me this pain I am feeling is NOT gas, and that it is the band settling down. I am so concerned there is something wrong. Has anyone else had this problem???

Hi, my name is Michelle and I am 31 yrs. old. I have had the lap band for 3 and a half years now. I had the lap band surgery and ended up getting pregnant 3 months later. The doctor took all the fluid out for the pregnancy and I still have not had it filled. For the three months I had it filled, I either could eat way to much, or could not drink even water. I never did find my sweet spot. I had it filled again 7 months after my baby was born and had the same problem. I am thinking about having it filled and starting the process all over since it has been sitting idle and unfilled for over 2 years now. If I still experience the same issues, I don't know what I will do.

I feel pressure in my chest and abdomen area, near my sternum. I have not had a BM since last Thursday (6/26). Even if I get up and walk, it doesn't go away...but it does eventually go away. So, is this gas? I did buy the GasX strips lastnight, but don't want to take them for nothing... You guys are all so helpful. This website has become my best support since the surgery. :smile2:

Hi everyone...I was banded last thursday 6/26 and the most calories i have been able to consume is 600 in one day. i am literally eating (drinking) all day and cannot possibly consume anymore at this point. i find myself a little lightheaded and slightly out of it (i am no longer taking the pain meds, just tylenol). i am wondering if i should try something with a little real sugar or some drink with more calories...or is this just par for the course? would appreciate any advice...i do have an email into the nutritionist as well. thanks! gina

Hi Any new info on left shoulder pain? I started a thread, but it didn't show up, or I can't find it. In any case I will keep my question short. I'm 2 mos since surgery and last night I had quite an experience..

I replied to a post, but figured I should start a new thread. Sorry if this wasn't the right thing to do. I'm having pretty bad gas pains. I've "thrown-up" air three times now. Virtually no liquids, but a ton of air! Each time- right before I "threw-up", the normal "pre-vomit" symptoms started; mouth watering, stomach turning- the whole thing. But when I actually vomitted, it was like I was throwing up air. Then the relief overwhelms me, it's like the best thing since sliced bread! The pain seems to build back up within a few hours, but I can't seem to make myself burp or belch. It's been less than two hours since my last "vomit-belch", and the pain is already h…

:frown:Ok I was banded June 24th..the swelling is going down...Im starting to get hungry...to the point of tears..I cant believe this..I feel so lame..I went into the kitchen for something to eat drink whatever u wanna call it (im on Clear Liquids for another wk)..well I just started crying..I am sooo hungry its painful...so I grabed myself some milk after I wiped away tears..This is a terrible feeling..the last two days its been happening more frequent..and thats when I try to get the heavier of things instead of broth. Is this how it will be untill I feel restriction..I have lost 10 lbs already so I feel like I am doing great..but its so hard at times when Im so hungry …

I was banded on 4/07/08. I had my 4th fill one week ago. I'm finally getting really good restriction. My question is, why is it that soft foods go down harder than hard foods? Things like, scrambled eggs, yogurt, and some thick liquids seem to go down and want to get stuck. Other things like chips/salsa, dry cereal, and tacos seem to go down fine. What's up with that? :confused2:

i feel stupid, My doctor has got me on the pre op diet for 3weeks i can understand 2 cause you can see the end but 3 ooh i have been really good first 2 days the worst but i just keep thinking about what i can wear at the end of this. does anyone have any suggestions for food in in diet stage before ops the food is very boring susie:biggrin2:

:crying:I am so disappointed in myself today. Today is exactly one week out of surgery, and I ate solid food. I woke up and like forgot that I am on a liquid diet. I looked into my refrigerator and found a grilled cheese. I ate half of it with about 6 oz of dr. pepper before I realized what I was doing. I feel so ashamed and embarassed that I did this, I swore to myself that I would not cheat, and one week out I am. I do not feel much discomfort, except that my stomach feels bubbly and minor discomfort in my chest. I am so scared that I potentially streched out my small stomach. Does anyone know how you are able to tell if you have streched your stomach, how does it feel?…

Hi Everyone, I'm new here, hoping to be banded soon if I'm approved. My question is....I have a medication that I have to take every day - it's a 75 mg capsule. Although it won't be a problem to have the surgery, I'm wondering how I will get the meds down after I've been banded. I can't take the beads out of the capsule apparently. Has anyone had a similar experience, and how did you manage?

For some reason when I lay down to go to sleep all of a sudden I go into these coughing fits and then I just slim over and over again. This happening at least once a week:blink: Has anyone else experienced this?

Every time I run my fingers through my hair, dry or wet, I get a hairball the size of a small rat! I am taking my vitamins, I am getting veggies and protein. When does this stop? Frustrated, Amy

Ok so I've read about people post banding who sometimes when they eat too fast they get a feeling like a golf ball in there throat/chest and was wondering what's up with that? I'm not banded but sometimes when I eat certain things I get a pain like I've eaten way too fast and I can't breathe and it's there for about 30 seconds or so. It's usually when I only have certain foods like if I have cold fried rice I get it where as if its hot I don't, If I eat pikelets sometimes I get it as well and I also get it when I get a hamburger from the fish and chip shop - people say you usually get that when you eat way too fast but I'm like the slowest eater and it's usually takes me …

This Saturday we are heading to San Francisco (from New York) and eventually doing the Pacific Coast Highway drive to San Diego (hopefully, the fires will be under control!). I am presently starting my 5th week after banding. Here are my questions: 1. What foods can be taken on the airplane - since pretzels and nuts are not on my list? 2. When on the road trip - I think I'm okay for Breakfast and dinner, but what kinds of foods will I be able to eat and what kind of restaurants for lunch? Obviously, the old favorites, McDonalds and Burger King are out! Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

Okay, so I have heard about this situation but don't know if I am going through it or not... I had my surgery on 5/15 and lost about 22 lbs so far. After the swelling and pain went away, (I also had a hernia repair) I was feeling okay.. Now, its been 2 months and I feel the same before surgery. I am eating like a regular person, just not eating too much. I have no issues with any food, I just feel no restriction. I am scheduled for my 1st fill July 8. Is it going to get better then? Is it going to feel like it did right after surgery? How long will that last? Any information would be appreciated.

Several of us appear to have been banded on the same day, 6/18/08 so it was suggested, and I agree, it would be nice to have a thread just for us to keep each other posted on our progress and issues. So I thought I would get the ball rolling. I am back to normal activity and doing great. I kayaked 4 hours today and I'm ready to try riding my horse tomorrow. I feel great and things appear to be healing right along. Exercise and sex have not been a problem either :thumbs_up: I still have not been back on the scales since 6/22, still have no idea where my daughter hid them and I like it that way. I see the doc Wednesday for my follow-up and will see how things are p…

I've been doing a lot of research about the lap band and I came across some patient reviews of the procedure. They were saying that the first few months are great and then you can start developing issues with acid reflux and being able to keep food down. They said that they couldn't sleep because they were choking on their stomach acid etc. and that food was getting stuck in the band and they had to go to the ER. I was wondering if this has happened to anyone or what your thoughts are on this. How often does this really happen? Thanks for any posts with your thoughts.

I am 6 days post op today..Ive been getting pains like I have a big burp coming but one doesnt come..has anyone had this problem..and it is normal?

ive been doing myfitnesspal.com for about 2-3 weeks now and logging everything i eat and drink. i noticed for the most part that most of my calories come from snacks in between my meals. somedays i dont even eat snacks but somedays i do. one day the total of calories was 720 just in snacks. from now on i am choosing fruits and veg that have less calories and fat. somedays if i eat out even though i choose something as healthy as i can those calories tend to be high as well. i went out to a local resteraunt and got a two egg, cheese and bacon omlet. you wouldnt believe how many calories it was. ive havent been eating out that much thank god. i now realize that its mostly …

Okay so i had my surgery the 27th of june, things seem to be going good, like alot of people i have the pain around the port side, but it is getting better day by day. I know when i went in on the 26th i weighed 235 and when i left the hospital on the 30th i weighed 231. But other than that i am not weighing myself until my 1 mth appt. I will be obsessive about it if i dont' stand firm LOL...OH criminy i just thought i have to have my PCM remove my stiches in 10 days so he'll weigh me their...darn it!! okay ill just tell them i don't want to know how much i weight that will work. :thumbs_up: To all of you banders, i say HOOAH!!! this is gonna be one heck of a journey…

Hi all, I'm three days post op and getting better by the hour. I even made it to a baseball game today! Yay me!! My question is about coffee. I know I can have coffee on the clear fluids stage so does that mean I can have starbucks lol?? I don't mean anything crazy but I could go for a fat free vanilla latte! Anybody try this. Or even an iced coffee. I am getting tons of water in haven't broke any clear fluids rules yet so I thought I would double check with the "experts". Thanks for your help! Leslie

Did anyone wear a girdle doing the post op phase?

Hope everyone is having a great weekend. I am getting banded on monday and i am so nervous. I know i am starting a new chapter of getting healthy. But i am so afarid i'm going to do something wrong. I had a dream the other night, that i woke up monday morning and took a drink. so they canceled my surgery. I know i am crazy. Just wondered if anyone had any suggestions for last minute nerves. Also any suggestions on what is best to help get your energy back after surgery. How soon can i work out? what is the best protein shakes? affordable.

I had surgery Wednesday 6/25. Day one following was awful. I needed help in and out of bed, etc. Now I am okay with the exception of the fact that my port area is a big lump like half of an egg cut long ways. It also can be felt pretty much at all times. It is kind of a stabbing pain. I just want to know if all of this is normal. Thanks, Kristin

I had my lapband done yesterday and im just curious if anyone else got sent home with an ON-Q bag (pain bag) Its a round ball full of medicine that has tubes from the bag to my incisions it hangs around my neck in a black bag. It is supposed to help with the pain but they are still very sore. (along with my shoulder, Whats up with that???) I have to take the tubes out of my incisions tomorow and i just wanted to see if i was alone in this!!!

Hey everyone, I have a question. I will be banded three weeks on Tuesday, I have tried to feel my port now that it is not that painful but can't feel it. Does this mean that something happened to it? Shouldn't I be able to feel it? I am still swollen, but if I can't feel it how will they when I go for my first fill? My first fill is not till July 29th. Thanks!

somedays i can alot and other days i can barely eat. is this normal? yesterday i went out to eat and couldnt eat that much i had really good restriction but today ive had the muchies and have been snacking all day with no problem. this is frustrating because i want it to work all of the time. andrea

Two months passed since operation, and still not losing weight!! :confused2: and whenever i had fill, at the 1st few days after fills i feel the block, and after few days food just pass easily !!!!!!!!

I haven't been banded yet, hopefully I'll be approved within the next 6 months. Aside from the surgery and all the other things that come with being banded, my number one concern is, how long until I'll be able to ride my horses again? I do dressage (Dressage - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia www.USDF.org, a type of english riding. I'm competitive and ride at least 3-5 times a week, I will make plans to put my competition horse in training with my trainer while I'm out, but when I come back I'm concerned I'll bounce something out of place. When riding dressage you must use your core (stomach/ab muscles/back muscles) to help hold yourself in the saddle and control y…

I am 4 months post op. The band has done little as yet. My weight has not changed from the initial loss on the liquid diet. The company I have used, say that I can only fill at the rate of 1 mil per fill, every 4-6 weeks. I am upto 6 mill now and they also say that it won't work properly until 7 mill is in there. (It's a 14 mill band...I am a 6' male). Until I had the 6 mill fill I could eat a meal almost as normal, occasionally getting the 'something stuck' feeling if I ate too fast. Since the 6 mill fill I get a 'something stuck' feeling after only 2 mouthfulls of anything other than sloppy food. I have now discovered what I will have particular trouble with, chicken …

I'm at 6 days post-surgery, following the liquid diet (mostly Water, Protein drinks and the occasional popsicle). I've noticed that my urine has a strong, unpleasant smell (not sweet). I assume that it's some form of ketosis that's making my breath smell bad (and mouth taste funny) - but could this also explain the strong smell in my urine? Thanks for any suggestions!

Hi I was banded on June 12 in Baltimore and tomorrow I start week three with pureed foods. I have only lost 8 pounds. I thought that since I didn't have to do a pre-op diet that the liquids would have helped me lose more. week one and two I was allowed, sf pudding, sf Jello, cream of wheat, Soup, low fat milk, Protein shakes, sf popsicles, tea yada yad yada I keep being told this is only healing time but I had higher hope. I wasn't told to limit anything. I have read that since the op that many can't even drink a glass of Water. I can drink 8 oz no prob...it just goes right through, I don't feel anything right now which I know is supposed to be that way. I start…

We had some company at the house this weekend and I didn't want them to know that I've had surgery. So we ordered pizza for dinner and I had 2 slices. :thumbup: I also ate other solid foods while they were here and I'm only 9 days post-op. Has anyone eaten solids this early, and do you think that I've damaged my band or stretched anything? I didn't eat a lot, just the wrong kinds of foods. Am I going to be okay if I go back on my liquid diet now?

Banded yesterday @ 12:45pm. Was home by 6pm. I'm pretty sore. The pain meds, hydrocodone, make me sleepy and weird feeling. Here's my questions... How long until the dry mouth goes away? I've continually drank Water. My doctor says I can go to work on Monday...I have a desk job, but is that really going to be possible? The way I am feeling today, I am not so sure. When should I have my first bowel movement? How can I? It seems impossible given the liquids only. And, along with the potty questions, why can I not take a good long pee...I woke up last night at least 6 times to pee. So, during this first week of all liquids, how did you spice it up? Did any of y…

I have a question about setting short term goals. I find that I do very well when I have something to work towards and I'm wanting to start setting short term goals for my weight loss to encourage me to stay on track. I was banded on June 9th and have lost 10 lbs. I know that the weight might slow down and I don't know what is a realistic time frame for me to get under 200lbs. I'm 229 now. Any ideas on how to set realistic goals? Do you go by the average 1-2 lb/week that is stated by the doctors or do you go by your past weight loss after getting the band or what?

hi, i just got banded june 24, and was told i can only swallow pills like an M&M in size, but gel caps must be opened up and take powder out. what do you mix the medicine with normally?? I am referring to taking the Ursodiol pills. Please help me with this.. thank you.:confused2:

:smile2:Question for those people who have been banded. (I'm hopefully going for surgery in August if all goes well). Now that you've been banded, even if you are at the beginning of your weight loss, do you still obsess about your weight? Do you think to yourself - well it will be at least 2 months or 4 months or 6 months or whatever until I weigh this amount...or are you just enjoying the process. I hope that I will enjoy the process, and will enjoy the mini-milestones along the way...whether it be fitting into an old pair of jeans, or being able to see my toes (not such a mini-milestone either!) Just curious to know how you all feel about the process!

I was banded on March 20. I had no problems at ALL with my first fill which was a month after surgery...he "supposedly" at put in 5 ccs in a 10cc band...no problems at all! Then, when I went back for my second fill, he but in one cc. However, I was sliming before I got in my car in the parking lot. Then, went back to him (an hour later) and he took out 2 ccs and put one back in--this brought me back to 5--what I was supposedly at prior to this day. Then, I got home and 2 hours later started sliming...did that every 15-30 minutes for 24 hours. I could not even suck on an ice cube or Popsicle. I went back in and he took me down to like 2-2.5 ccs. I ate like a pig f…

Duh! Someone clued me into the fact that there is a group for June "bandsters" with 300 people or so in it, I guess what I was looking for were people banded the same day, because one week either way, can make a difference! I started a group for just June 16'ers if anyone is interested! Just join up and we'll share amongst ourselves in a smaller mini forum! (It's the June 16th Banders) Thanks, Darie Bluefish62 San Antonio,Tx

I was banded on June 24th I feeling a little pain but I know these is normal, I have been WALKING and getting Happy when GAS comes out:biggrin:. I have ten days of Full Liquids until I'm on soft foods. I don't think I can make it though these phase of the diet, I eating every two hours, I hate Powder protien, Fokes I"M HUNGRY:drool: I can almost feel depression kicking in. I know this will past when I can begin eating normal foods, Today is just a BAD DAY.

I was banded on June 11th and I am not sure when I wll get my 1st fill I have a follow up appointment on July 1st do you think I will get a fill then? I am very exitced about getting on the road to a restriction because I don't have any right now

Just wanted to find out if anyone else has experienced what I have this week. We have been at the beach all week. When I swim in the ocean, my port hurts, like it is moving around. It just feels really weird.:thumbs_up: Wondered if this was because of the salt. Anyone else had this feeling?:confused2:

Hi all - I'm hoping somebody out there can say "I had that!" and I'll feel better. I'm one week post-op today and have done pretty well. I've obeyed the rules. When I am sitting down or laying down I feel perfectly fine. When I eat or drink I feel a little gassy but that's all. But then when I stand up.... yikes! It's like my body is that of a different person. I get a stabbing pulling pain sensation in my lower right side - sort of right in the area straight to the right of the belly button where the fat folds. :-) There is no incision there, no bruise there, but it is making me nuts. I find myself wanting to walk around stooped over because it seems to pull m…