LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

It has been two years since my surgery. I have lost 64 lbs. so far and have 25 yet to go. I thanks God for keeping me in good health. I hope all of the Mayo 2009 bandsters are doing well.

i have posted several different types nsv's some silly and some downright amazing...funny how you miss once it gone anyhow, i am doing laundry today..and after washing ole man's clothes, there was some change in the bottom of the washer..being short, its a sight to see me trying to reach in and get it...i normally have had to get him to do it...my girth wouldnt allow me to reach in. so today, i saw some change and got on my tippy toes and reached down and got the change.. i was like oh my gosh....i did it again and noticed my stomach wasnt in the way anymore.. this nsv made my day today... and here is something my ole man did without me knowing and i thought i…

K, so my dr told me that to jump start my weightless I can do a liquid diet, protein shakes 3-4 times a days my band is slowly getting refilled, I am hoping to lose 24lbs in 2 weeks. I know it isn't a great way of doing it but it's weight I have gained since problem with the band. I know that it should be a slower process but I don't wanna buy more clothes. So, with that said what shakes do you recommend that work and are reasonably priced. I don't have a lot of extra money at the moment. So cheap is desired . Thanks

This has been on my mind since coming to LBT. I just wanted to give a word of caution to those who are maybe new to being banded or over-zealous when it comes to weight loss and thinking maybe more and more fills are better. The caution is about a habit that I developed and had to realize what I was doing wasn't the best idea. That is I want to caution you about getting your band too tight and in order to get things down lubing it up with extra calories like salad dressings or sauces. So more fills and a tighter band may not always be the best answer. I know it's cliche but it is a marathon and not a sprint. It's just something you may want to consider before getting …

I am weighing in at 163 right now, and have been jumping back and forth between that and 165 for over a month. I weighed 169 at my last fill appointment, and only lost 4 lbs. I am feeling defeated! My goal is to get to 135-140, which is the recommended weight for my height of 5'2". I go for jogs every day or every other day, and I do no less than 2.5 miles in 30 mins. I don't eat breakfast, I just have 2 or 3 cups of coffee. For lunch I may eat a piece of meat or some boiled eggs, and for dinner I eat a meat and veggie. No more than 1/2 cup of food whenever I eat. I track everything I eat on My Fitness Pal. I don't understand because I am watching what I eat, how much I e…

I have been taking Biotin since day one of surgery 16 months ago and just bought my first bottle of Nioxin shampoo, pricey, having used it yet, just got it yesterday. I was wanting your take on it? Went to get my hair done today and my stylist said it does not promote new hair growth just keeps it from falling out and never to stop it once you start. I thought it promoted new hair growth??? Since being banded I am so thin, so thin, I've had to cut my hair off shorter, I hate it. I'd change my picture on here but for some reason it won't let me or maybe Im not doing it right, idk. Any suggestions on the products? I do know the biotin makes it grow longer as far as …

Hi all, I've been banded 20 months now. Weight loss has stalled over the last 10-12 months. Up until now, I was happy maintaining the 80+ lbs that I had lost. Now I'm ready to start again. I'm looking for some high Protein snack ideas. I am well aware of the typical Snacks but I'm tired of those. I'm looking for new ideas, maybe even new recipes. I recently came across this recipe for a lentil dip that I am going to try. I haven't entered the info into a calorie/protein counter yet. 1/3 cup veg. oil 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1/2 tsp cinammon 1 tsp dijon mustard 1/2 tsp curry In a seperate bowl, combine: 1 can lentils (drained & washed) 1 cup red pepper (d…

did my low impact step aerobics this morning...ole girl working it out if i say so myself nothing like stepping up and down for 30 minutes and feeling it on my calves, thighs, arms, butt and even my dreaded stomach........i feel like the picture below when i am done then i came across this picture when i got back on line and thought it fit (bout my height/weight LOL) hope you smile

Feeling the fall this morning: It is comfort food Saturday. Frijoles refritos, Navy bean Soup and sautéed mushrooms in garlic and olive oil currently on the stove. Shells and cheese and vegetable soup waiting in the wings. Who says you can't enjoy food with the band!

I have read many posts about fills. I need another one, soon, but I just had one. I need more of a fill. I got banded July 30, 2012. I had a fill yesterday, my first since February. I had the fill because I asked for it because I have been eating too much food, I felt. My doctor goes slow. I have had 4 fills for a total of either 2.2 or 2.4 cc. I am fine with this. You just have to learn to eat less food and more slowly. Also after a fill I am on liquids for 3 days, mushy for 3 days and then back to solids. I know your doctor is different than mine but this works for me. Also being on this post fill diet you get a great weight loss. Since yesterday I am down…

She's in her fifties and is morbidly obese 300+ She's like a spiritual mother to me because she was always there for me when I first became a Christian, and she's still in my life even though I don't attend church anymore. It saddens me that she has so many weight-related issues. I know if she had mobility she would be so much more happy because she loves kids and she love to tend gardens and grow food. I've suggested her this option (even before I wanted it for myself, thinking I could do it through diet and exercise) but she CLAIMS that God wouldn't want this for her because she wouldn't be "dealing with the root issues". I answer to that always was: but once you'…

I need a lesson! Lol! What do slime and pbing mean? Thanks!

. My goal this week was to not snack from after school until dinner...one of my hardest times.i was pretty successfully it and I lost 3 lbs!! I can't wait for my fill on Monday so I can get some extra help from my band!!

Hi, I was banded in February 2013. I had been doing pretty good and lost 30 lbs. It seems here lately that I am just not able to lose any weight no matter what I do. I try to make healthy food choices but when I see that I'm not losing weight by doing that, I get discouraged and want to just eat everything in sight. I haven't been able to do very much exercise due to a foot injury. Any advice would be greatly appreciated because I'm so scared that I'm going to end up gaining all of my weight back and I soooo don't want to do that. Thanks!

Not good for me.... I can't seem to consume but maybe 500 calories a day and then we are walking so much that I'm afraid I have - calories at the end of the day. Maybe I'm nervous or something or maybe need a slight unfill. Yesterday's food intake: 1 string cheese, 4 meatballs from spaghetti and meatballs (wasted that can), 2 pieces of Jerky. Couldn't do anything else. Guess I should of brought Protein shakes on this trip :-/

I have posted about this before and it was suggested I go for an unfill which I did. I have done this cycle 4 times now and we are talking about .5 cc. I get a fill and then it becomes so tight that I cannot eat any solids without getting stuck and sliming. I go in they take out .5. I get to where I can et anything and am hungry all the time so when I see the Doctor he suggests a small fill and here we go again. I literally slime on my coffee in the morning, then I can get some coffee down so I think I can try to eat something I try yogurt and boom..stuck!! I am so frustrated. I then struggle with that for most the day and end up eating a spoonful of something (whi…

I'm in the early stages of the lap band process. (saw surgeon for constult, met with pxych- will meet nutrition next, keeping diary, exerciseing...all in the lst month.) A friend of mind is saying DO NOT do band - do sleeve. I've done some reading on differences (notmuch reading as yet) but my question is: Why would a person want the lap band vs the sleeve? Or Why would a person want the sleeve vs the band? Thank you. ~SaraLee~

Okay is my first day of eating mushy foods. I have started to keep a log of what I am eating on My Fitness Pal. I have put in all the food I am planning on eating for today. My calorie count is under 400 calories. Does that seem correct. I am feeling hungry. I am trying to add protein powder in my food to help with trying to get in enough protein.

Check out this article....I will say for myself I found it liberating when I stopped using a app about 4 months after my surgery....now I know why... / / http://www.huffingto...l?utm_hp_ref=tw

The Lap-band is NOT about Restriction (by Dr. Simpson) When talking about the band, some patients talk about restriction. Let's first be clear about one thing: the purpose of the band is not restriction; the purpose of the band is to lose weight by suppressing the appetite. When band professionals talk about restriction we are talking about something totally different than "restricting what a person eats." In fact, many band surgeons avoid talking about restriction so as to not confuse patients. The band works by dimming the appetite, and this provides a conscious control and decision made by the patient, it does not work by "making" a person do something, or kee…

33 y/o soon to be banded 10-22 looking for a banded buddy

I will be going in for my first fill in the morning. I am a little nervous but I know it will be okay. How much do they usually add at a first fill? I do not want to leave being too tight and end up with complications! Shasta

Significant Others Do you ever feel that the people who are closest to you are the ones who resist the most as you try to change for the better? Sometimes, when we are committed to personal growth and change, family members or others who are close to us will do everything they can to try and get us to change back to the way we were - even when the way we were wasn't so great. Did you ever wonder why that might be? Well, for one thing, when people are used to their lives being a certain way, any change - even when it is an improvement - can be threatening. It is also fairly common for people who…

I posted a week ago that I had been totally out if control, gained back 17 and finally broke down an call the dr office. They have me on the pre diet for 2 weeks then soft for 3 days. Then I go in on 21st for class followed by a fill. In 1wk I lost 5 lbs. yeah! One more week of this. Here is what I learned: I think I am in the green. I am just not hungry at all. So for my fill on the 21st I am going to request .1cc. I had lost control and fell into the slider foods. Just needed to her back in control Thank you all for your ongoing support.

Am going to first lifestyle class then 6 months to approval. Help me get thru this.

I recently purchased a "Topchips" microwave chip maker. Today I tried making sweet potato chips. No spice &no oil. They are wonderful! This will help me get through the munches in a healthy way. It has three silicone trays that you load with raw pieces of vegetable (potato, carrot, etc) or fruit (such as apple, pear, mango). Mine came with a food slicer to slice the product thin and uniform. Each load took 8 1/2 minutes in the microwave and then I turned the chips out onto a metal rack to cool. They were crisp and tasty.

I made this as a mistake (was going to make oven chimichangas) and i'm glad I made it! 3 or 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 4-6 tenderloins) 1 can green enchilada sauce 1 can red chile sauce 2 cans refried Beans (I used the spicy ones) 1-2 cans black beans 1 carton (or a few cans) chicken broth 1/2-1 cup quinoa (depending on how much liquid you have) 1 chopped onion 1 chopped green bell pepper 1 chopped red bell pepper 1 tomato 1 package or one can corn olive oil however many tortillas you want to eat, or you can just use tortilla chips salt, pepper, garlic, cumin, chile powder, lime juice, etc..whatever you like..to taste put chicken (don't even…

Mmm... I made this tonight for dinner (I had 2) and it was tasty and filling. Low calories and lowfat. http://www.emilybites.com/2011/07/lasagna-cupcakes.html

I stumbled onto this article by accident and was more than a little shocked to see "Before & After" pictures directly from LBT were used in the article. I'm just curious if the people in the pics were asked their permission before they were used? http://www.businessinsider.com/before-and-after-weight-loss-lapband-surgery-2013-5

Someone shared this email with me. I haven't tried any of them yet as I still have about a month and half before finishing my 6 month hurdle. I thought they might help someone. Long... I know!! pumpkin Protein shake This is a wonderfully decadent way to get in your protein! Spicy, creamy and icy-thick.…milkshakes never had it so good! 1/4 cup pumpkin puree 1 cup skim milk or soymilk 1 scoop vanilla Protein powder (such as Matrix Simply Vanilla) 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or 1/4 t. cinnamon, 1/8 t. cloves, 1/8 t. ginger) 2 tablespoons Splenda Granular 1/4 cup Cool Whip or NSA Vanilla yogurt 1 cup ice cubes Place pumpkin, milk, protein powder, spices, Sp…

Since I haven't eaten bread since I was banded in 2008 I have had a major craving for a tuna melt. I came up with this 3 days and I have eaten 4 for lunch and dinner every day since then lol. Tuna melt cups Mini phyllo tart shells (Athena's) Tuna Light mayo American cheese Just make tuna salad fill cups and put 1/4 slice of American cheese on top and broil.. So yummy and satisfies my tuna melt craving. The shells are 25 calories each so total of 100 calories for shells but well worth it!

I never thought I liked cauliflower but I tried this and I'm hooked! 1 head cauliflower floretts 4 oz of garlic and herb laughing cow cheese 4 pieces of bacon cooked and chopped 3 green onions chopped 1/2 c reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese Couple of splashes of milk Steam Cauliflower until al dente Spray an 8x8 baking dish add your steamed cauliflower, chopped bacon and green onion and mix in your 4oz of laughing cow cheese. Use a couple of splashes of milk to thin a bit and add your shredded cheese on top. Bake at 350 until cheese is bubbly and brown. Delish!!

http://triedandtasty.com/2013/08/healthy-sweet-potato-shepherds-pie/

Ok, so I was banded 2 weeks ago and not scheduled for my 1st fill until 10/31. My problem is chocolate! chocolate has always been my problem...grrr I follow all the rules, Protein and Water in the morning 1st thing! lots of protein! I get on average of 120 gm of protein a day. I know I need a fill because I think about food a lot and I do not stay full for more than a couple hrs. But the big problem started yesterday. I want chocolate!! I ate 1 small, bite-size, 3 musketeers and it was heaven! However, I didn't get this band to destroy all my efforts because I can't control my urges for chocolate. Someone, anyone, have any suggestions for ways to curb this…

I went for my first fill Monday . Dr did with X-ray then gave me 2 sips of that yucky stuff and said everything looks good .. Call him in 2 weeks to let him know how I'm doing.. I did two days of liquid and protein drinks and 2 days mushy .. I don't get a stuck feeling . But feel full quickly and sometimes feel pain in my stomach very gassy and also lots of burping after eating.. Other then that I feel ok ... Is that normal to experience .. Thanks for your quick reply )

Need a buddy near Pittsburgh. Help

A it when you get full quickly after a fill ??

I was banded a week and a half ago. I am noticing a sharp pain in my shoulder when I yawn. Any ideas? Is it the vagus nerve?

I am going to have my lap band removed next week. It is eroding and causing significant pain in my stomach, mostly upper left quadrant. I was just wondering what to expect in terms of length of stay in the hospital after the surgery. I have heard that it can vary depending on the extent of the damage. I pray the stay is not long, but I am worried there is considerable damage with the amount of pain I have been experiencing.

i dont start my pe-op liquid diet for two days but i dont want to eat crap food the night before because i feel like it will make my first day of liquid only alot harder. so tonight im considering my last night. also i am a big holiday person and since i will still be recovering from surgery when thanksgiving comes around and im kinda upset for the fact i just moved into my first house with my fiance and it would have been our first thanksgiving where i cook. i am having thanksgiving dinner tonight! lol followed by a little candy for holloween lol!!! did anyone else have a "last dinner" before they got lapband? 16day untill i get the lapband :wub: :ph34r: :wub: < …

I am ready for my first fill so need to know what type needle - Huber non coring? gauge of needle? length of needle ?3.75"

K, so after a very bad period of time in which i had to have the fluid removed due to it being too tight, I have reached a point in which I cannot get back to where I was. I had lost roughly 70lbs. And was doing great, felt great, and was starting to look great. I went in for a routine upper g.i and the barium I drank dripped through like an I.v. So they said they wanted to remove half and then see why happens. Well what happened was I now weigh more than I did before the surgery, I am so disgusted with myself it's unreal. I work out, I thought I was eating better, I even tried the joe cross reboot program. Lost 10, gained 15. So I pretty much have up. But after realizing…

I had a Heart Attack about 6 years ago, followed by cardiac Surgery.....pretty serious stuff, many of my peers, ex-classmates, are no longer with us.... I have friends in the same boat as I...some go to the gym everyday, others take it easy and try not to get over worked or stressed.... And I have developed my lifestyle since then..... Is it my place to tell the active Cardiac Patients they better slow it down or they can do themselves some harm?... OR is it my place to tell the inactive ones to get out there and do some cardio on the treadmill? Either way, the answer is OF COURSE NOT! Their lives is none of my business....I couldn't show my face at their funerals …

Today, I was put on acid reflux medicine. :/ I used to never have this problem until about 2 months ago. I've had my band for a year now. The only time that I have reflux is if I eat something right before I go to bed. Other than that, I don't have any problems. My doctors tell me that this is normal for lap band patients and I should not be eating 2 hours prior to going to bed. Has anyone else had this problem? Should I have it checked for a possible slip?

Hi all! I was wondering if anyone knows of a support group in the Miami / homestead area? Thanks.

I was banded 09/14/12 and am 29 years old. The only people I have met in the support groups that have had lap band are over 70 years old and are having completely different issues than me. I would love to chat with someone young that is going through or has gone through what I have gone through. I think the reason why I don't know of anyone in my age group that has had Lap band is because we keep it a secret for the most part and the seniors love to share. Any who- if you are under 40 and have had lap band, feel free to comment or private message me. I would love someone to talk to. Have a great day!

boy will I be glad when Thurs gets here as I see my surgeon for a fill because I have noticed I eat more and more often and yes I have gained 4 lbs in 4 wks. I can't help it, I'm hungry. Was reading on Lap Band Diva's on facebook where some were eating for Breakfast a Protein shake and oatmeal, how can that be? Wouldn't that be too many cals? I mean I do a Protein Shake but then 3 hrs later I'm starving. My doc says eat whatever you used to eat just in moderation or what the band will let you eat, hello, if I ate pizza, hamburgers, chips/dip, junk like that I wouldn't have lost.

So my port is to the left of my belly button and about two weeks ago I found a lump right above my belly button, almost like it's connected to the port (it's obviously not the port, because it's too large). My surgeon had me get a CT and that was 2 weeks ago. He said he'd call immediately if it was something serious, otherwise he'd tell me the results when I go back on oct 16. In the meantime, I figured I'd ask if anyone else has had that issue? It's not painful and almost feels like a hernia. The surgeon actually thinks it's a hernia where the tubing goes through the abdominal muscle (he said he's seen it happen once in 13 years, just my luck!). Any ideas or anyone else …

Good news is I'm down 70 pounds! Weird NSV is that now sometimes when I sit on the toilet I feel like I'm going to fall in! I don't have as much rump to cover the toilet seat anymore. :-)