LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

This is such inspiring story, also she looks awesome and like a different person after weight loss. http://www.cnn.com/2....html?hpt=hp_c3 Lauren and Justin Shelton attended her sister's wedding in September 2011. At the time, regular things like buckling a seat belt were a struggle for them because of their size. STORY HIGHLIGHTS Lauren and Justin Shelton lost a combined 538 pounds in 19 months They go to the gym six days a week and stay active on their day off They have found support in each other by taking every step of this journey together (CNN) -- At work one day, IT consultant Justin Shelton suddenly began to feel ill. A few hours later, he was i…

I've got 17 lbs to a healthy weight and I need to get my act together!!! I've lost 55lbs so far. 17 to healthy, 27 to goal Here's what I've been doing - Spinning 3x a week Walking 2-4 miles every day Sticking to high Protein, veggies, fruits Here's what's TOUGH Cravingsssss - especially for sugar, or salty!!! These last few pounds are tough but I can do it!!! Anyone else in the same position?

Evidentially when you reach a certain age the medical community thinks it's a good idea to subject their patients to a colonoscopy. I get it so I scheduled my appointment a few weeks ago for tomorrow. What I didn't do was pay close attention to the fact that I had to be on Clear liquids all of today and at 3 pm start drinking concoctions which will "clean me out". So today I am reminding myself of the fact that I am a successful lapband patient. 3 years ago I was on liquids for 2 weeks pre op and clear liquids for a week post op. I CAN do this!!

Hello, I'm new here and I decided to make a new thread (: I'd like to begin with the fact that I was banded October 4th, 2013 ( yes 3 days ago) I started my "Full Liquid" phase today. I am SO thrilled to finally be having something other than jello, chicken broth and water. All I've had today was tuna fish and mayo ( blended together) and don't worry I made it VERY mushy. I took my time and had little bites and chewed. That was around 11am and its almost 4pm and I AM STILL FULL. I love this! I love having portion control and not eating as much as I used to. I can't wait to see what the lapband has in store for me.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/12/sarah-palin-chris-christie_n_4261905.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000009 FYI, I don't care about your political views, I posted this because Christie is a bander and because of Palin's comment. Please don't turn this into a political flamewar, that isn't what this forum is about.

Hi Everyone, I was just hoping to find out what made you finally decide to do lapband??? I'm having a hard time making the decision, mostly because of finances. In the past I have tried Herbal Magic, Jenny Craig, Bernsteins and Weight Watchers. With all of them I managed to lose a little bit of weight but would then plateau and after a couple months of not achieving anything, would give up. And of course the weight would come back. I, once again, started WW approx. 6 weeks ago and have actually managed to gain 3 lbs. I don't know anyone who was had lapband surgery before so I'm hoping I can be motivated by all your success stories.

Day 4 I have lost 5 pounds but I am still struggling.

Has anyone gained weight after a fill?

I've had my band for going on 18 months and I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions of my life but lately... I am a burping machine and in silence my stomach is like a full orchestra with noises that are kind of unnerving, never painful or even uncomfortable at all just.., noisy. Also I cannot stop burping! Cannot! Little ones, big ones just constant and sometimes they make me feel better but sometimes they are just epic and untimely if you catch my drift. I have been considering a slight unfill but as I have done so well (started at 290 now 185 for several months) to say I'm not a little chicken would be a lie. I now have a life where I did not. I work bett…

What does it feel like to get your first fill?

So, today I went in for a fill (my fourth). The nurse always has a little bit of trouble because my port is crooked/twisted so that the center is a little hard to find. Today, she could Not get it. I have to travel to the main office tomorrow so the doctor can do my fill. Has this happened to anyone else? Maybe I am just weird. On a side note, she apologized for the bruise I will have from today. I told her it was ok because I am not into a bikini yet and when I am, my port will not be as necessary to find. I think a little bruise to get to green may be ok :-) (We giggled over that!) Truthfully, I doubt I would ever wear a bikini because I know I will have extra skin, b…

Wednesdays are my weigh-in days. I weigh myself and take measurements. This week I was up a little over a pound. My measurements are the same, so I guess that's good. Why am I not surprised??? The FREAKING HALLOWEEN CANDY has been calling my name since last Thursday!!! And I've been answering. Like a moth to a flame. The band didn't fail me this week. I failed it. Eating crap (and a lot of it) has changed the numbers on the scale and now I am mad at myself for being so weak! Tomorrow is my first fill and it couldn't come at a better time! I fell off the damn horse, but I'm on my way back in the saddle. I WILL be successful. I WILL not fail my band. But holy…

I just heard the cholesterol medication Lipitor may be a cause of diabetes with a significant number of women affected. I don't have details and don't want any drama from other forum participants. I just thought it may be something that people potentially affected might look up information to possibly help themselves. I saw this on one of those class action lawyer commercials. As to the validity of the claims, its up to the individual to check it out. Hopefully this does help someone.

Hello, I am one who has a dr who does not agree with smoking... I have surgery on monday and that will be my 3 weeks quit day also. Can someone tell me how long cotinine stays in your blood? Will I test positive? I smoked half a pack to a pack a day for many yrs. I'm like starting to freak out! I read tons of websites and keep finding different answers to the question. So I don't know what one is true... some say 4 days some say a week some say 2 weeks some say 20 days some say a month some say many months.. So which is it? If you used to smoke how long were u smoke free before you got tested for surgery? And what were the results?

I had my 2nd feel last week and now have about a 6inch radius around my port that is hard and insanely painful! It hurts to get up or even walk. My pa said some bruising may be normal but I haven't had this happen before.... HELP!

I just love japanese food, so was a big surprise for me when I went last week to eat sashimi (raw fish) , I have very hard time to digest, anyone with the same issue?

I am trying to do the right thing and have heard all the terrible things about aspartame. But I NEED something besides water and tea/ lemonade to drink! Are there any ready made (like Crystal light) drinks out there that use Splenda, Stevia, Truvia, etc.?

I have seen people state that they have PB'd. Is this where something gets stuck? I have recently had a very unpleasant feeling when I forgot to chew properly and had a feeling of something being stuck for a minute or so, very painful. Thank God it passed fairly quickly.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/11/surprising-hunger-causes-sneaky_n_4241299.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular

So, I don't hide it. I flaunt it, actually. I was banded 9/11/13. I've now lost 44lbs. I FEEL so much BETTER!!!!! I no longer take blood pressure meds...big victory. My arthritis pain is creeping back in, but I am finding creative ways to manage it since I've not been cleared to start my meds for that again. I just had two cortisone shots this week in my right foot...not fun, but necessary. I move easier. I breath easier. I sleep more soundly. I smile more frequently. I have to wear a belt now. I have to check for saggy butt before I leave the house (my pants are getting way too big). I need new underwear (sorry, but I do...it's creeping in places it shouldn…

I'm looking at self pay. And wondering what companies are reputable ? Thanks !!

Just a question. Wondering what a lot of you eat for lunch I had like 9 shrimp today for lunch and that was at like 1 and now I am starving ! Sometimes I feel I need another small fill. I can't eat a lot but I am finding I am getting hungry sometimes a little quickly !

Going to go all liquids for a few days, starting today....realized it has been a while and I need to give it all a good rest, and let things settle down and re-set..... For me, all liquid means protein shakes, soups, anything that does not need chewing....perfect slider foods...

I finally just started using my fitness pal and I'm going to try my best to make it a regular thing. Friend me, please!!!! And kick my butt if I don't use it! I'm bluegirly on there, too! Thanks!

Alright, yesterday marks my 4 year bandversary. Yeah!!! I started at 250 lbs, size 22+. I am now 148 lbs, size 4-6. On October 8th I underwent Cosmetic Surgery to get rid of excess skin. Although I will be posting tons of pics to show the before/after and the weekly progress postop, I wanted to share these pics. Not only has the band transformed me, both body and mind, but it has truly freed me

Hi everyone! I was wanting to know if anyone is interested in meeting up/starting a support group in this area. If anyone would be interested let me know. I hope we can start regular meetings so we can support each other.

I am one week away from surgery and looking for a buddy in my area! Send me a message if you want to talk or meet up. I don't necessarily need a vet. bander. Just someone who knows what I am going through. Thanks!

I started a FB group for those interested in support to lose 20 pounds by Christmas. It's open to any lap bander! https://www.facebook.com/groups/323725944432163/

I have a flock of backyard chickens, so we have a lot of fresh eggs: all brown and blue. So: what is your favorite way to cook an egg? Favorite receipe? Do you like eggs of other birds? I'm considering adding other birds in the future. Yes fresh eggs are a good source of Protein. And I'm always looking for new ways to cook them. _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Personally: I'm not a fan of scrambled eggs. My favorites are sunnyside up and soft boiled. I also like the egg whites. My dogs sometimes get the extra yolks. Quiche with goat cheese and spinach is a win for me in terms of receipes…

My 10-year-old Goddaughter said the funniest thing over the weekend. She knows about my surgery and she's been the best little cheerleader...except when she holds the Peanut Butter cups under my nose for me to smell and then reminds me "oh, you can't have that..." and laughs her evil little laugh. This weekend she looked at me and sheepishly said "Aunt Di, your butt used to stick way out in the back...no offense. But, now it doesn't. You look good!" I hugged her so tight! And danced around in my new jeans that are 2 or 3 sizes smaller than the ones I was wearing before my surgery in September. Gotta love her

I am upset. I just had baby 4 months ago. I put on some weight and I finally went to get a fill to get back on track. After an upper G.I the doctor tells me I have a dilation. They took out the little fluid I had. Has anyone had this and did it heal on it own? How long did it take? I am worried if it doesn't correct it self I will have to have band removed. Any advice welcomed.

I finally have restriction in my band but don't understand why even if i chew chicken breast it will not stay down.....yet can eat bread ... Any thoughts

This has nothing to do with being banded. I have FINALLY been able to update my after photos but now I can't seem to figure out how to make my most recent photo my AFTER photo on my profile page. I have gone to settings, gone to edit my profile, gone to patient data, gone to photos, gone to the gallery, clicked on the photo, checked options...etc. etc. Help??

here is my xray i had done today on my lapband/plication during a barium swallow...dr said it was a textbook lap band picture and this made me happy....i am doing well at 17 months post op..down another 2 pounds since weigh in last week--whoop whoop so here is my xray dr showed me xray of someone whose pouch was stretched and it looked like a balloon on top of the band...they said for that to happen, a person must overeat a lot and past the point of pain/hurting..and due to non compliance of the amount they eat..mainly patient fault..this is from my dr.. so dont do that ok...i saw it and it looked painful as hell...... and frankly...we went through a lo…

I have 4 more days on liquids. As some of you may have read previously I was banded in 2011 but have gained back about 15. Finally gave in and called doc who has me in shakes and I see him on Monday. Ok. .. I lost over 5 last week weighed today and gained 3 ! What's up with that? So how often does everyone weigh? I know I shouldn't look every other day but love to see it go down. Motivation. But the other side is when I gain. Now depressed. Help plz.

My birthday is in 17 weeks (March 13) and all I want for my birthday is to be OVERWEIGHT!! Here me out!! I am still obese for the next 20 lbs (which is a whole 'nother rant, f those dumb bmi charts) I need to lose and being overweight never looked like such a great goal. Can I loose 20 lbs in 17 weeks, I think yes, if I really stay on track through the Holidays. March will also be my 1 year Bandiversary. As a reward my husband and I are going to run the Chicago Shamrock Shuffle 8K on March 30, 2014...whoo hoo!! It's all about setting goals, right? Me today at 190 lbs...."Obese". at 5'4'' I need to weigh 170 to be "Overweight" What are some of YOUR goals?? Maybe if …

Tomorrow will be one week since I've been banded. Felt good up until today. I've been nauseous all day long and have pain in my chest and my back. Just feel blah. Not sure if something's wrong or if this is just normal. any ideas?

I thought I would post this topic because it may help others and I wonder if others are still waiting for hours to drink after they have eaten their food. Someone just made a post about not drinking up to a certain time after eating. Just think about it, if you "wait" and NOT wash the food down, it is actually sitting in your esophagus, "stretching" it over time, we lap banders do not have a pouch -- like Bypass people do, although we have called it that in the past, the band actually makes a little area above the banded stomach which is actually the lower esophagus. Well there is a LOT of misinformation going on now about not drinking and eating at the same time. W…

I start my two week liquid diet monday. How do I get though it? I know its going to be hard. The shakes they gave me to drink are so nasty :/

What is a KNOW it all? I don't just post willy nilly stuff without backing it up with cited materials or things that I've LEARNED and seen others go through over the years clinically by other surgeons and Bariatric professionals. Call it arrogant or whatever, that's your prerogative. That being said, most veterans like myself really don't have to post to share what worked for us, or have seen others go through with their lap bands. Also I learned MANY things over the years from OTHER lap band veterans that my surgeon(s) did not have a clue about, so sometimes learning from others who've BEEN THERE and DONE THAT with band is just AS important as cited materials, in m…

I have had the band since 2008. I ok first 6 months and lost 80lbs. However I did have some complications. I have dealt with practicaly every complication in the book, including a slip. More or less when I would some restriction, I would be fine for about 3 month then start suffering from acid reflux, severe change is restriction, a lot of vomiting or pbing, pain, coughing at night, etc. I could go from eating normally (pre-band) to not even begin able to get Water down. I had to have all my fluids taken out, then I gained all the weight back. I have been in for fills, unfills, fills, unfills so many times I couldn't count. I switched Dr's because I felt that I…

I am supremely bummed! I went to my appt w/ the surgeon today. I was really jazzed to meet w/ him as he does NOT believe in the other forms-ie. re-wiring of body systems-of bariatric surgery. Anyway he tells me because of my high BMI-70(5'3" 402) that I have to lose 90LBS!! to get me into the acceptable BMI range. 90LBS!! If I could lose that much I wouldnt NEED to worry about being banded! I was soooooo hoping to have this done before the end of the year esp because I didnt want to have to pay a $1,000 deductable again after the 1st of the yr AND I dont even know how much longer I will even be able to hold onto my job because my health issues are making it hard for me …

It's been seven months and only 35 pounds gone. My doctor tells me it will take 3 years to loose the weight. I started at 296 down to 263 today. I have a 14 cc band with at least 8cc in it. The doctors office wont tell me how much exactly. Is there any body out there that started slow and reached goal? I want to loose another 100 pounds. advise needed!

I went in for a follow-up today. Completely in the green zone and no fill needed or wanted. I am down almost 40 lbs and the NP said I have far exceeded what they consider "normal" (1-2 lbs per week). Woot woot! Anyway, I have yet to really buy anything new since losing all this weight. So I went to Old Navy and tried on several pairs of pants, all skinny jeans that were 3-4 sizes smaller then when I first started this process!!!!! I think the people around the changing room I was in were wondering what was going on with my squeals of delight! Did I mention they were skinny jeans? We are doing family pics on 11/24 and I'm excited about it!

Hi - It looks like there needs to be a new thread started for those of us who have a lot to lose. Let's share our journeys as it's a different trip than those who have a smaller amount to lose. I am just starting -- literally -- JUST. I received my surgery date a few days ago -- it will be Sept. 29, 2010. My insurance company has given a pre-approval and is just waiting on the final paperwork to give their stamp of approval. Everything is on track. I was very surprised and discouraged to find that my doctor would like me to lose 30-40 lbs. BEFORE my surgery. That means in the next 6 weeks, (starting Monday) I need to go on some kind of modified Meal Replacement plan--…

Hello I was just banded on the 13th. Was wondering if there were any others that want to join this journey with me that are local! Maybe we could meet up every so often to share success stories!

I actually did it, and it's my first! And not only did I try bikinis on, but I stepped out of the dressing room to see what the hubs thought at that. Just crazy I tell ya. Since I just recently had cosmetic surgery I hesitated between a bikini and full body. My biggest insecurity are the arm scars. But I figured you could see those no matter which one I wore so I'm taking a gamble Anyway, I got a whole education on how to fit a bikini today (thank you sales associates!) and feel confident that I and the girls will be looking our best on our upcoming trip to Florida and the Bahamas. (Now someone play the steel drums, I'll pour the rum&punch)

I start my two week liquid diet Monday. The 25th is the big day

I'm being banded on January 28 and am feeling nervous. I'm trying my best with the liquid diet but its really been hard. I just wanted to say hello and I love that we can all support each other on here xx Victoria

Hi all, I am truly hoping you can help me because I'm almost at the end of my rope. I had my band 1/10/10 and had success but have had several complications. I have pushed through the complications and had remained active (running, cycling, kickboxing, etc) prior to surgery and after. I started Crossfit June of this year and LOVE it. However, I have been told that perhaps I'm not eating enough. I'm gaining weight, and while I think maybe a tiny portion of it is muscle, there is more fat than muscle. I am really not sure what the right answer is as I think my band is adjusted appropriately, in fact, it may be a bit on the tight side. That being said, I don't know that I …