LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Thanks to Pres Obama my ins is changing and no longer will cover bariatric anything and I cannot afford fills and I'm nowhere near the green zone yet. I certainly don't know what I'm going to do. I do not work, can't, can't get disability, the only income I have is alimony and with me paying for health ins and other medical bills I barely have enough to live on, that is why I live with my mom since my divorce, thank God I at least have a roof over my head. I'm heartbroken over this news. I'll be in debt up to my eyeballs and then some because I see him every month for a fill.

Okay so I have been considering this for a few years, but my HUGE question is this.... If I can't stick to a diet long term then how will I be able to stick to this? Any insight on how this helps in that area?

I am so excited I had a conflict with my first band fill appointment on 11/11 and thought I would need to push it back. Low and behold I will be moving it up a week. One week from today. Is it normal for me to be excited for this? I'm ready to get this tool working for me!

Okay we all have heard it said before BUT tighter is not better even if its not your own fault. I've been doing great. Haven't had an adjustment since Jan. But lately I have been tight having reflux and such but begrudgingly went in for an unfill. Dr. Thinks I got so inflamed from my fibro/lupus flare up and never auieted down. I couldn't eat well so ofcourse I went to the slider foods and the effect ... gained a few pounds back. No surprise there. Well hopefully it will all be rectified soon an I can go back to my "green" zone again.

Im not a huge drinker by any means. I have a drink about 3 times a month but what about those nights i still want to have a good time? Is getting drunk even a possibility with the band? Im 420 friendly. From what i understand things like drinking out of straws for example cause excess gas as well as smoking cigarettes. Id appreciate if readers completely ignored 'munchies' for this entire post. Aside from that and the obvious toxins caused by smoke...are there any thoughts on post op lap band and smoking weed? Has anyone actually asked their doctor/surgeon if there are any other risks? I still want to be able to live my life with moderation if it is necessary.

There are very few people who know I have a lap band. Today, after church, myself and a group of friends went out to eat. My 8 year old daughter was ravenous, and in the process of shoveling her food down, apparently something got stuck. Someone asked her if she was okay. She replied, LOUDLY, "Something is stuck in the port of my lap band, that's all!" Wasn't expecting that one...I laughed way too loud and changed the subject very quickly!

Has anyone incorporated the Mediterranean diet with their band? My cardiologist suggested the diet, but I'm not sure if being banded will allow me to eat the grains and nuts. I'm looking for suggestions. Thanks!!

Caribbean island gal, looking for a nice guy to chat with and get to know. I'm 32, single, never married, no kids. Not sure if this is the right way, but here I go.

Good evening everyone, I'm concluding ny 4th day post-op, and feeling great! I think I may be close to 10lbs down......mostly water weight, but I'm eager to start back in the gym tomorrow morning. Ill start with a 45 min treadmill walk. I hope this is not pushing it. Ill just let me body dictate when it's time to stop. Has anyone else dine any gym work?

I am 2 1/2 months post-op. I had my first fill at 6 weeks, with no effect. In fact, after a 20 pound loss pre and post-op, the scale began moving in the other direction. I had a second adjustment two weeks later. My weight loss has been good since then. My prescribed amount of food, USUALLY keeps me satisfied for about 4 hours, though this is not always the case. I have an appointment today for another fill, if I need it. My question is, do I need it?

I had my surgery in 2006, lost 110 lbs in the first year, and have gained back 75. I am considering trying pgx to help get back on track but am worried about mixing pgx and the band. Anybody have any advice or experience they want to share?

Hi all!! Looking for some LB friends in the area! Maybe grab coffee and chat!

I can't believe how many people are certain that I will be kidnapped or killed in Mexico... Can you please address the process of transportation to and from the airport as well as your stay at the Marriott. Anything you can comment on about your over all safety in general would be appreciated.

I am 7 weeks post op and I got my first fill 1 week ago 3cc). I ate 10 wings and a small salad today I am full but I thought I would not be able to eat as much. I am really concerned because I am not sure if this band works or maybe I have stretched it out (if that's possible). I am currently 260lbs and I started at 280lbs. I have not once had an incident of sliming or PB like I hear others talk about. I can eat anything (bread, chicken, shrimp, steak, etc) I have no restrictions. Is this normal?

Has anyone tried these ProtienToGo Protein shots? I'm prepping for band placement in early December and have been doing research and these looked like an awesome source of protien so I ordered some. They taste great, come in several flavors, with and without caffeine. I add mine to a big cup of Water to drink at work. What do you guys think??

A soup ok bc of the liquid?

When on the pre and post op diet is it ok to drink V8 juice? I am just starting the pre op diet and am curious. My diet is suppose to be 2 Protein shakes and a meal (Atkins) a day plus Water.

Ok here's the story. I was banded Aug 6 and am down 27 lbs. I went for 1 st fill one month after surgery and didn't need it because I was doing good. About a week after that I was hungry more and got 2 cc put in. I did okay but wasn't losing. Went back in at next appt which was a 1.5 weeks ago and had 2 more cc put in. Since then I have had the pb for the first time ever every night. I had chicken get stuck so bad yesterday that I vomited. Today I can swallow but...water hurts. I am thinking clears for a couple of days, 1 cc fluid removal Tuesday (my day off). Any other thoughts?

I had my 3 or 4th fill 2-3 weeks ago. My doctor goes very slow with the amounts. Total I have either 2.2 or 2.4cc's. This last fill did it!! Last night I was eating dinner and I couldn't finish. About time. This was also my first fill since February. Tonight we were out for late lunch early dinner or as my MIL calls it luper. We had an early bird and it includes desert. I had vanilla ice cream. Ice cream is a slider food and I eat about 1/4 of a cup and was full. Great feeling. I totally understand no 2 people are a like. What I don't understand is when doctors do large cc's of fills and the bander is unhappy and feels like they need more and I have a littl…

reading alot of posts people saying what if i cant well, what if you can?

I have been having a lot of issues with my tail bone. I can not sit for long periods of time without having pain. I have lost almost 100lbs and wonder if this is related to it and is there a solution?

I am scheduled to have my band removed on Tuesday. I was wondering what the recovery time should be. I am hoping to be back at work on Friday or Saturday. I don't want to use too much time because I am suppose to be able to have another band place in 4-6 weeks. Any info would be great!!

Hi all. Both hips replaced on October 8th and I'm still alive and kicking. lots of PT ahead and lots of recuperating to do but at least the surgery is over. Lots of swelling so I'm not even bothering to weigh myself. I bet I have ten lbs. of water weight alone just looking at how swollen my legs/hips are. Doing as well as can be expected and very happy to report that since the hip surgery, My knees feel better. Will keep you all posted. Liz

Hey everyone- i'm a few months into my banded life, and all sorts of things are going great in terms of being waaaaay more active (i've become a gym rat), and while I'm not in the Green Zone yet, I'm getting closer. I started at 315, and just recently crossed the 50lbs lost marker, and am 263 - with a goal weight of 185. Here's my question: when should i get my wedding rings resized? i have an engagement ring and 2 bands. They are already pretty much falling off - so much so I don't wear my engagement ring for fear of losing it. I kinda hate to resize them now only to do it again in the future as I continue getting healthier, but I don't want them to slip off/st…

Feeling alone. Anyone there going thru this the same day???????????

Is when I will be getting banded.

This has been quite the journey thus far! I was a low BMI bander so I knew I was not going to lose a lot until 3-4 month mark. It is finally happening. I think what helped jump start it is 1) I had the flu-lost about 4#'s, then I had a fill that put me at 6.25CC (I think). This was way too much but I waited a month before going in to have some Fluid removed. I couldn't drink/eat any thing until about 11am and then maybe a bit and often times that would come up. I lost about 10#'s. Obviously that was not good, so when I went in for my next appt they removed 1CC. I was a little bummed b/c I wanted them to put me where I was at just prior to the Constricted fill but the…

I need to know once I have lost the weight that I need to lose on my goal. Do you know a good doctor for the extra body fat that I am carry.I live in Ohio !!!!!Who would be the best doctor to cut away the extra body fat . I live in Toledo ohio. Karen

Has anyone found that after getting banded their tolerance of spicy food is different or they can't eat it anymore? I love spicy food, but pre-band I always had water on hand to help with the spiciness ... Today I had an omelet with jalapeño peppers in it - my mouth was on fire & I couldn't even drink water due to the rules. Then I had a bad end result several hours later via a visit to the bathroom where I swear my @ss was on fire (sorry TMI) and all I could think was "this girl is on fire" (Alicia keys song) ... But not in a good way

I've had a lapband for nearly 4 years and in this time I have never been able to eat Breakfast. I really need to go on a massive health kick and need to be able to get breakfast down early in the morning and something quick without it getting stuck. Any ideas on some foods that work early in the morning?

It's got my fill on Wed! I asked her for 1.5 cc instead of 1.0 cc . Ummm I feel the difference . I ate a half of a small meatball too fast and I thought I was goin to pass out . I now know what that stuck feeling is. And it won't happen again . That was a horrible feeling. I'm feeling full waking up for the first time. Yesterday I stayed full for at least 4 hours which was a first . So I'm good now.

Pre-banding I used to drink a lot of juice that I made with my juicer. Since I'm not getting very many veggies in (focusing on protein!), would it be a good idea to make some juice? I know I'd have to limit it to a much smaller amount than before. My juicer takes out ALL the pulp. Any comments from long time banders?

Does anyone else have this, when your head is stuffy by allergies and the mucus runs down into your stomach. Does it make the band tighter in the morning.

Got a unfill this past week and to much was pulled out :-/ not satisfied at all!

Hey people, I'm back.... As some know, I already had lapband surgery in 09 and it had to be removed this year in April due to an infection. I knew for a fact IDID NOT WANT to have surgery again, but as soon as my weight started creeping back up to almost where I started in the first place and trying to lose it on my own again with no success, weightloss surgery is coming back to my mind. It depresses me that my weight is going back up and that I'm rethinking surgery again, but my weight going back up is my own fault. So, I'm going to give trying to lose 40-60, 30, or whatever on my own by June and I will call up my surgeon. Last I saw him was in may/ June and he sai…

Hello, Everyone I've made the decision to get my band removed rather than repositioned. However I don't regret getting WLS I lost 67 lbs. I know it'll be very hard doing it on my own but I'm willing to give it a try. So if you've had your band removed or are contemplating removal I want to hear from you!

So, I know this varies from person to person, for obvious reasons... But I started seeing a trainer to work on losing the last of this weight and improve my triathlon times for next season, and he had me up my calories to 1000-1200 a day (all clean eating, and broken into portions no more than 8oz throughout the day) but going from eating about 800-900 when my band in the earlier stages (Im only a year and half out, but it feels like forever now ha) to 1200 feels like a LOT. I had some fluid removed a while ago and and having a fill next week and hoping with the small portions and food choices I can still get in the calories needed with some restriction (now I'm basically…

I have just had my 3rd fill (Monday) all is well drinking and eating must admit have been sticking to mushiness. I am loving the feeling of not being hungry and my calories have dropped to around 600 - 700 but I have had one big problem I have developed a night cough and when I lie down I am getting reflux does anyone have advise, also I am feeling as if I could have flu so I am wondering if the cough and band fill is even related.

Anyone still hungry after fills? I feel like the fills aren't really working. I'm definitely eating less then before the band but I can still eat way to much.

Can't be without my friends. You all are a big part of my success.

Really excited about this most recent fill. Lots of restriction and control. I think will have a lot more weight loss now. I will make it to 185 in no time. This would be my first goal then that final goal will be 165!!! Woohoo!

I went to my lapband Dr on Tuesday for a fill. Apparently it's been 16 months since I've been back to see him. I have no idea how that happened, but honestly, I don't even think about my band most days. So I paid the $35 copay to see him on Tuesday only to have him tell me that since he hasn't seen my band in awhile so he wants me to go do a barium swallow so he can make sure everything is still okay before he does an adjustment. I scheduled the barium for this morning, they sent the results to him, I went back to his office and paid another $35 copay, only to have him tell me that my band looks perfect and he's not adding any Fluid b/c it would make me too tight. I kn…

I'm reporting in. My eating was out of control, gained back 12 lbs , so doc put me on fluids for 2 weeks. Saw my "fill nurse" yesterday who believes I'm just fine. She was great to just sit down and talk to me for awhile. She believes I'm fine with my band just need to be doing my share of the work. Guess the band can't do it all. So I am back on board with measuring my food, only 3 meals a day with no snacks and no artificial sugars. I will give it another month then we will decide if I really need a fill. With me doing the journey the right way. We'll back to the gym I go. I sure wish this was easier. Hahhaaha

Today, I finally told my pcp that I decided I wanted the lapband. Hes one of those doctors that are very hesitant even giving out antibiotics so I was worried he would put me down about this decision, but it was just the opposite! Now that I have him in my corner, i feel like this is a possible surgery

I had a fill and my Dr told me I was at my max with 3.5 cc is there anyone else out there who has had issues with the vanguard band (2006)

Been struggling a LOT since the one year bandiversary. Last few months have been a nightmare, eating too much and even gaining back some weight. Even cancelled my last fill because I didn't want to weigh in. Then I got a bug. Started as a head cold-sinus infection and settled a couple of days in my colon. After I go well, I was eating as I had been, and suddenly had to run to the bathroom with a bite stuck. I spent about a week having a hard time eating without food getting stuck. Now I eat the way we are told, small bites and chew forever. Things are working and I've dropped the weight I had gained plus another 6 in the last 2 weeks. I'm exercising again, trying…

I am really struggling with deciding to get another fill or not. Reached goal after 1 yr. 84 pounds yay! But now I've gained 6. I feel hungry all the time. I've lost that "in the zone" feeling I had. But what if its head hunger. What if another fill is too much? Scarred to be over filled. But scarred to keep gaining. I've worked too hard. So frustrated. To fill or not to fill. That is the question?

Hello! If you have had or are going to have lapband surgery and live in Japan, I would like to speak with you about your experiences. Leona

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Hello All, Had my 2nd fill on 10/7/13, somehow it felt a little different....I did not hear the pop sound when the needle went in like the 1st fill I had which didn't seem like a big deal. Also, the area where the needle went in is still badly bruised and my stomach is very bloated. I'm able to eat and drink, have regular bowel movements, plus continue to slowly lose weight. But, not too sure why I'm bruised and bloated. Has anyone experienced anything like this? Any idea what is causing the bloating or why the bruise? Thanks in advance for your reply:)