POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I am six days post op and supposed to be on liquids only for 10 days. Has anyone violated this policy? I would love to have some chili or potato soup...

I've been banded for a little over six weeks. I had my first fill on Tuesday the 13th, well an attempted fill. I have the AP Large, which holds 14cc and the Dr put in 6cc. He said he normally does it under X-ray, but he was able to find my port and did it in the office. From everything I've read, it's standard practice for the Dr to make you drink some Water, make sure everything goes down okay, then if not remove or if it does, send you on your way. Well, Dr filled me, threw away the needle and gloves, said we were done and then said goodbye. No water, no asking how I was feeling, no nothing. Well, from everything I've read I decided I'd have a couple of sips o…

ok, I just got my third fill, after loosing 50 pounds. until now, I only threw up 2 or 3 times in the past 6 months, and it might not have been really throwing up, it may have been more "sliming" or PB. in the 5 days since my last fill (which is actually only 3 days of eating solid food) I have thrown up maybe 5 times - again, maybe the better way to discribe it is PB or sliming. effectivly, about half the time when I eat something solid, and it has been a wide variety of different things, afer about 3 or 4 tablespoons full, I feel a pain in my chest, and feel shortness of breath, and then I feel like I really need to burp but can't. then I go to the toilet, and pu…

i had my surgery on 04/21/08 and my first fill today, 05/19/08. during my consultation, my surgeon said he would most likely use the Realize band. I found out today during my fill (not given by my surgeon) that i actually have a Lap band. She didn't know why he decided to switch. also, she said i already had 1.5cc in my 10cc band that was given to me during surgery and she gave me another 1.8cc today for a total of 3.8cc. i didn't think they put the band in with any Water? how many cc's will it take to feel a decent amount of restriction? the good news is, i've lost 14 pounds during this first month and it was hard work. my dr's office said i did great and a lot…

Hi all, I had my surgery on May 12th. On the surgery date, I was 208lb. It has been 1 full week and I'm now at 211lbs. Everyone tells me not to sweat it... but is this normal? I've been walking about 2 hours a day so I want to say that it's muscle gain. I'm still on protein shake diet, with about 1 cup of clear broth a day. I just need someone to tell me that it's okay and yes i will lose the weight... ( A smack on the head might be good also!!) thanks!

I am a little depressed because I just found out that my band only holds 4ccs. I guess I am depressed because after reading all of the wonderful threads and finding out how many ccs others have, I am concerned because I had my first fill last week. I received 2ccs and I feel little to no restriction. Will someone with a 4cc band please tell me when I can expect some restriction or how was your experience. I have scheduled an appointment with fill center usa for the end of the month in Roswell, GA. I am hoping to leave with atl least 3cc to 3.5ccs in my band. Hopefully, this thing will work for me. I pray it does. :wink2:

I wanted to share this with anyone who is interested. It is info that I got from my doctor. Thought it may help those who are in the first few weeks, like me. BANDLIFE... THE BEGINNING (FIRST 4 TO 6 WEEKS) Healing Key points about healing Take it easy, because your number one job in the coming weeks is to heal. You'll also break from some of your old habits and take on some new ones. How does the band work? The band is connected by a thin tube to an access port. Your access port sits just under your skin. Almost all surgeons leave the band empty after placing it because your stomach is swollen from the operation. There's already a natura…

I was banded July 06, after a rough year losing my mother to cancer - the past year and a half has been succesful by my loss of 60 pounds to date. I am only 20-30lbs to goal. The past week however, i have had some troubles keeping anything down. It used to be i was only tight in the mornings and able to eat well in the evening. Now, i have a hard time even keeping a shake down in the mid-morning or late-afternoon. I can't tolerate any salads, no fruits, few lean meats, and only a few vegtables-even at night. I am wondering if maybe i need an "un-fill". I believe my band is a 4cc, i've only had 3 fills total. One being 8/21/06; 9/20/06; and the last being 11/28/06 for a…

I noticed last night that just above my husbands middle and largest incision is a lump about the size of a tennisball. You can only see it when he stands up and he said it doesnt hurt at all. I meant to call our doctors office today, but honestly with him not so concerned about it and a crazy day at work, it slipped my mind. did any of you ever experience something like this?

Greetings! I was banded on the 14th and still can't swallow more than about 1/2 teaspoon maximum (I measured) at a time and the pain is quite intense internally. Feels similar to when you swallow a bunch of air. I have the same reaction with hot, warm and cold liquids, whether clear or Protein drink. I was able to drink maybe 24 ounces total yesterday with the tiniest sips, each one being painful. Have others experienced this or should I be concerned? (Again, this is an internal thing; my incision and entry points do not pain me at all and have never, with or without pain killer. That part is amazing me!) Thank you in advance! JohnG

I'm down 21 pounds now and am on the full liquids and start purees on Wednesday. Yeah! I have 2 weeks of puree before I can do mushies. So far so good. The port incision still hurts. Can't wait for that to go away. I get tired pretty easy. I have a 2 year old so that doesn't help my energy level! We have a picnic this saturday so hope a lot of people make jello!

I had the lap band surgery on May 13th. It was a rough couple days due to the anesthesia, but I'm feeling much better now. Although I refer to the post-op dieting instructions all the time, much of the time I can't tell if I'm full or not, I have a bloated feeling the minute I eat or drink anything. The post-op instructions say to drink 6-8 cups of fluids per day and I can't even drink close to that, but at the same time it says to stop eating/drinking at the first sign of fullness. Seems contradictory - I'm sure it's not. I'm probably trying to make brain surgery out of this and don't need to. Any of you fellow bandsters have a similar experience? I welcome all re…

For those who have been banded...How much time was needed to be off work???? 1week, 2weeks???? I am waiting on Insurance approval, I was just wondering around how much time I will need to schedule to be off...Thanks Gigi:confused2:

I'm a bit upset about this but I just wanted to get it off my chest. The day before surgery I came on my period, which was great LOL. Anyway the surgery went fine (on Thurs) but yesterday and today I have had an almighty need for sugar - I think this could be to do with my period etc.. so I had some ice cream (it was soft and slightly melted) but I feel like I've let myself down. I have stuck to liquids apart from the ice cream, it just felt like my body needed it, anyway after I ate it I felt fine. Is this what they call banster hell? Where you can eat soft high calorie foods? Has anyone else had this prob? Kindest

How are you feeling? I can't believe how full I get just by sipping liquids now. What is your post op eating schedule? I'm 1 week clear, 1 week full liquid, then 2 weeks puree.

Hello. This website is a godsend!!! I get so much support and assistance every time that I visit. I am 2 weeks post op and my incision site is still sore. I have a desk job and I keep hitting by incision on my desk. Is this normal??? :scared:

I am part of a clinical trial. There are 30 of us with BMI's >30 but <35. There is a protocol for the trial which they tell us is different from what most people have to do. I just wonder if anyone else here is in the trial. I'm in Memphis, but I believe this was replicated all over the U.S.

Does everyone lose about a total of 20lbs after the 1st 2 weeks after surgery? Im just trying to see if my co-workers will notice a difference in my weight when I return to work.

Don't have a clue how to post to this site!! Pardon me. Wanting to know if hiatal hernia repair with the lap band surgery is normal. Surgeon repaired my "monster" size hernia that gave me no problems at all. Is this typical? Must it be repaired to place the band? Info please!!! And someone tell me how to operate on this site please.

Hey, banded 4 days ago....wondering if it's okay to still be having some intense pains in and near the place where the port is. The incision looks okay, but so still on my left side. Had come thinned, cream of mushroom, soup today. Have been so hungry and somewhat gassy. Not experiencing an kind of post-banding-euphoria, just feeling of something. I'm hanging. In suggestions about what to have in liquid forms? Have the Whey protein shakes and some thinned sugar-free puddings, but really craving something more solid.:thumbdown:

My husband was banded on May 1st and we go for a check up and his first fill on May 28th. So far, he is down 45 pounds from his seminar weight. He has stuck with mostly soups, but is starting to eat softer foods. I didnt notice it so much with soup, but he is eating more than i think he should be. He isnt eating like he did before the band, but said that he can tell the swelling has gone down because the doesnt have the restriction. For example, he is able to eat 1/2 a can of soup, or most of a one egg omelet with turkey and cheese. Is this going to cause problems with the band before he gets the fill and has restriction again. He was able to get full on the recomm…

So I was banded 3 days ago on Thursday, May 15. I'm still in a considerable amount of pain, especially around the port area. I've been sitting around asking myself, "what have I done to myself?" for the last day or so. I'm kind of freaking out! One issue is that I'm comparing the pain from this surgery to the pain I had when my gallbladder was removed laparascopically in '06. I don't remember being in anywhere near this much pain, and I know that by 5 days post-op with the gallbladder surgery I was up and about and actually drove 3 hours in the car to see my mother with no problem. But, I do know that the pain will subside, and I know that the port incision is…

Hi everyone, Well I had my surgery on Thursday and thought I'd post an update here. I am doing just great and I feel wonderful! Thursday night was rough, I felt like I'd been dry heaving all day PLUS got punched in the stomach.... didn't take my pain meds before the pain got too bad, which of course is a big mistake (much easier to control pain before it gets bad than after) so I didn't get much sleep that night. Friday - Day One (my surgeon refers to surgery day as Day Zero): Woke up Friday morning feeling a little better but still sore (I took the pain meds all day that day). Took a shower, went outside for a short walk, then took it easy. Suddenly in early afte…

Hi, I was banded Friday 5/16/08 and cannot find a routine of what to eat or drink at what times during the full liquid phase. Does anyone have a good regimine to follow. My e-mail address is elaine3758@msn.com. THanks for your help, Elaine

I'am coughing due to my allergy. Only 4 days post op no pain just not sure if I should be concerned? Any one else have this problem before? Do not want to cause any problem with my new band.

Hello everyone! I was banded in april and I was told to take flintston chewables. Well My OB Dr told me that I should be taking other Vitamins also like b12 or some kinds like that and one of them is the one you put under your tongue to desolve. My question is what kind of Vitamins should I get or take?? What is everyone else taking?? Thanks for the help! Kristy

On a website where we can sometimes go when we have complications or just to get things off out chest, it can scare people who are thinking about getting the band. I just wanted to let those who are scared know that I just had six strawberries for Breakfast... ...and I am so full now that I can't move. Go on banding...

I really need some advise if any of you have done this. I accidentally swallowed a piece of gum at 11:30 today, I have not been able to eat anything or keep even fluids in. I have voimited, and slimed myself many times over the past hours. I called the Dr and he said either wait till morning and just see what happens, or go to the emergency room and maybe one of the Dr.'s on call can help. Has any of you experienced this before and if so what did you do? Thanks for your help!

I am in the process of getting the lapband i am still in the pre of it all. But I keep forgetting to ask anyone of this, but I was wondering, if getting the lapband will prevent you from riding roller coasters? :confused2:

Hi All - I am 3 weeks out and I am ate the mushy stage. I have been trying to stick to the mushies, but I have to admit that I have been testing the waters a little. Today I had a couple of bites of a hotdog and yesterday I ate on of my son's chicken nuggets. I know I am not supposed to be doing this, but it is soooo hard. Then I feel guilty that I ate those things. I have to make this work - I need to lose this weight. My doctor didn't require a post-op liquid diet so it was like once I had the surgery I went cold turkey and gave up all the foods I love so much... I am losing weight and adjusting but I am wondering if anyone esle out there has had these issues.…

I'm going to have my band on Tuesday, May 20th and I am planning to return to work the following Tuesday... Is this realistic? I understand that everyone's healing process is different, but I'm just anxious to know about others and how long it took them to get back into the swing of things. I have about a 20 minute drive to work, then a 15 minute walk from where I park- the reverse is a bit different - I have the 15 minute walk, but then the drive home is about 45 minutes. I sit all day at a desk, so I can elevate my feet and take period walks if I need to. The best part is, they just put in a new gym and I have to walk past it to get anywhere! LOL I'll be …

Hello everyone! I don't get my first fill until may 28 and I was just wondering if anyone else was eatting to much? I am not eatting TOOO much I just fill that I am eatting more every day and I don't have a fill yet, but is it common to do or feel like this?? I just hope I didn't put on my weight. I don't weight myself at home since I don't have a scale, so I weight myself when I have my appt. at the Dr's office. So the day of my fill I will weight myself and so far I lost 26 lbs but afraid that while waiting for my fill I put on some weight. Thanks for the help! Kristy

I got this in my e-mail this week, and I think it's a perfect thing to think about. Did you brush your teeth last night? If you didn't, do you berate yourself and decide that you might as well give up and never brush your teeth again? No, you go ahead and brush your teeth in the future, and resolve to do better in the future Weight loss is the same thing. If you eat the wrong thing, or miss a day of exercise, you don't give up. Resolve to do better in the future. Don't let a slip ruin your progress or make you give up. Simply get back on track, and get on with the program to a healthier you.

ok so I was stupid. I'm 2 1/2 weeks out and yesterday my Dr. said I could go on full mushies. I've been feeling great, and had tried a bite of burger, or a small bite of my son's quesadilla. so yesterday when I came home from the dr. I had some mushie tuna (fantastic) and one cracker (chewed really well) then later in the day I ate a section of grapefruit, no pulp or stringy stuff, just the fruit. Within about 10 minutes I had a pain in my chest that wouldn't go away, finally called the dr, but pain stopped after about 20 minutes. Dr. said 48 hrs of liquid. Learned my lesson, right? This morning, I couldn't bear another protien drink, so I ate a protien bar, it wa…

Is it normal to be less then a week out and be able to drink all day and not "fill" up. I am drinking water only unless it is a protein shake. It takes me about 30 mins to drink a 8 oz protein shake. I am starting to feel like I can drink more then most that got banded around the same time. I guess I am just paranoid that I have done something wrong. Thanks for any help!!!!

:thumbup: Okay, it is so flattering. I still have a ways to go, but I lost about 30 pounds and it came off in all the right places. I'm wearing cutier clothes and I find I'm carrying myself with a lot more confidence. Well, anyway, I was at Target and the guy behind me in line as hitting on me! He told me he was single and avaliable and asked me out... I politely told him, no, I already have a boyfriend,... ...which means it means nothing to me except the flattery... ... hey, I think I like this whole "losing wieght" thing. I want this to be inspiration to those girls out there who are trying to lose weight. I want this to inspire those girls who are thinking…

I am 8 weeks post-op. I had lapband on March 20th. I have had one fill and go in tomorrow to have another one. the first one basically did nothing. I was already having a hard time not eating too much before the first fill and its so very hard now. I have even put on about 6 pounds of what what I had lost from the pre-op and post lap. I am beginning to wonder if this will work at all. I really need some encouragement right now. Has anyone else done this and then it work?:cry_smile:

Hello Y'all! I am experiencing the WORST middle back pain (around my bra line) I've ever had. Can anyone tell me if they've experienced this with the band? I read somewhere that it's b/c I'm too full, anyone out there heard or experienced this??? :thumbup:

Hi all. So it's my 6th day and things are better. But at least once a day I start to slime and either dry heave or throw up liquid. I don't know what is going on. I KNOW i am not cheating--straight full liquids and nothing else. docotor said that my band is very high up under my breastbone and when i feel the pressure in my chest it is my full feeling. how can that even be possible when the rest of my stomach gurgles with stomach pains?? i am heading back to work next week and how embarrasing it will be if i have to run off to the bathroom suddenly to throw up. my workplace is so small they will all hear me!! i wanted to ask also about lifting. my doc says n…

I had my surgery 5/14/08. I'm home on liquids but feel so much nausea and have terrible diarrhea. I'm weak and just feel so sick, like I have the flu. Can anyone help? They made it sound like I would bounce right up and be taking long walks right away. I feel horrible. I don't think it's anesthesia at this point, this just started this afternoon, 48 hrs post op.

Hey all, I just got my band on 5/12/08. Was feeling ok in the hospital but ever since I was discharged yesterday I feel a pain in the center of my chest. This is the exact same sensation I'd feel if i just didn't eat for a while (pre surgery of course) so I'm not sure if it's hunger pain or this gas everyone mentions. Is there a way to help get rid of the gas? Has anyone else experienced this and if so did you think it was hunger or the gas? I can deal with the other pains but this one is driving me nuts. I feel as though I need to drink more than the 1oz every 10 minutes. Any thoughts, suggestions, comments would be most appreciated.

I have been working the program intensively in the last two weeks, am talking about doing CURVES and Calisthetics five times a week. Eating Lean Cuisine and drinking 70 oz of Water everyday ---- but when i weighed in last Tuesday, the scale told me that I had gained four pounds. I was so depressed!! Today, I had an appointment with my nutritionist, and scale at the hospital indicated that I had lost FIVE pounds in two weeks. Conclusion, GET RID OF YOUR BATHROOM SCALE..... its in the trash as I speak!!

Does anyone else have seven holes? My doctor said "yeah thats normal" but everything I saw said 4 holes. I have been in so much pain I'm wondering if that has something to do with it

Intersting experience for me since I was banded around 1:00 p.m. on Thursday (yesterday, May 15th). Even though I was worn out when I went into surgery from not sleeping well at all the previous two nights, I woke up from the anesthesia being pretty alert and almost energetic. I never dozed off or napped once I woke up from anesthesia, until I went to bed at 11:00 pm lastnight. I was surprised I wasn't tired enough to go to bed earlier than that after having surgery that day. I didn't sleep very well because of post-op pain, and I was up at 7:30 this morning. I showered, went for a walk, felt wide awake. Suddenly around 1:00 this afternoon, exactly 24 hours after surger…

My doctocr says Metamucil and Benefiber are OK to take after being banded. I've read that smoe doctors say do not use these for constipation. I'm not sure what to do.

Why i do always have the doubt that i'm not gonna lose any weight, and sometimes i feel that am very sure that i will not, and the whole band is just nothing and will do nothing!!!! i was banded 26 april, i didn't lose much weight at ALL, and started to feel really hungry and I ate, even the dr told me not to !! i'm starving and the dr want me to stay on liquid diet!!!!!! Too Much!!!!!! Help:sad:

I was banded on 5/6. I can down a whole bowl of soup at a time. I'm wondering if this is normal? Also, I am still very bloated and my stomach looks like I'm 5 months pregnant? anyone else still bloated after one and a half weeks? Thanks for any input

I was banded monday, May 12 by Dr. Alan Geiss in Syosset, Long Island, Surgery was alot easier than I thought It would be. I went in at 11:05 am and was wide awake at 12:15pm with very little pain. I was on clear full liquids, Tues and Weds and today I can start full liquids. I am experiencing only soreness no real pain. However, I cannot tell if my stomach is growling or digesting what I am swallowing. How can you tell if you are truly hungry or if it is just a new feeling that I am experiencing.

I was banded on 5/7 and I miss sleeping on my stomch. I still have some port pain but more than that it feels like the port is right up against my rib bones, is that normal? When I lay on stomach it feels awkward but tha tis how I sleep best and I need my sleep! :sneaky:Any thoughts? Otherwise I am doing great. Gas is finally dissappating :thumbup: and I have more energy every day. I am on liquids for another week and half which I think is going to get difficult because I miss chewing food (and no gum is just not the same), but I am hanging tuff!

I've been doing pretty good since I got banded last wednesday. Today I woke up and as usual I didn't feel like eating. But I made myself stomach something to get the day rolling. Today was the first time since the sugery that I think I got all of my liquids. About 8 pm I started feeling like I was going to throw up. I was trying really hard not too because I don't want to create slipping. So I just started walking around a lot. Then I started burping and started feeling better. Did I drink toooooo much water today, or did I just take in tooooo much air? HELP i don't want this to happen again.:thumbup: