LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

So, I'm starting over with my band. This time really reading all the facts and trying to follow the rules. I know we are supposed to eat 1/2 to 1 cup of food at a time three times a day. However, after my recent fill, I can only eat 2-3 bites before I feel my newly-found soft stops. So I stop eating and then I am hungry again in two hours... not the head hungry - but actually stomach growling kind. So I wonder what this means, and is there something I am doing wrong? Is it ok to eat more than 3 times a day as long as I am not eating more than 1.5-3 cups the entire day??

Why is it that we are not supposed to drink 30 mins prior to eating, during, or 30 mins after eating?

Alright, I admit I am not know for being the most mild mannered person. I have a bit of a temper but have always taken steps to ensure my temper remains in control (breathe in, breathe out). I do not normally lose the plot. Then there was the incident today.... I went into the office today (been working from home for the last two weeks). Three of the women I work with stopped by my office together to tell me how great I was looking. Was enjoying the ego stroking immensely!!! I have been very open about the fact that I have had band surgery. No reason to hide it. While we were chatting another female colleague walked in.... lets give her a name to protect her priv…

I have been reading a lot over the past several weeks about newbies getting fills. The question should always be, do I really need another fill? Many people are searching for the "green zone" and having that perfect "restriction." I will tell you from my personal experience that I don't know if there is a "green zone," but I do feel that you should not feel restriction. What you should notice is that with the band you should be able to eat less and feel satisfied. You MUST be committed to eating a smaller portion (most say 2-3 ounces of Protein, 1/3 c of veggies and 1/3 c of good carb for your meals) and extensive exercise. After eating that 1 to 1 1/2 c of food you s…

Hi, So last Friday I had a fill. I knew I was finally close to the green zone and think I got there after the fill. Eating was difficult but I was able to drink fine and eat as long as the food was moist and I took very small bites(like we are supposed to).i hadn't really followed this rule to the t before because my band wasn't restricted enough so even though my bites were small, they weren't small enough for the green zone. Does that make sense? Anyway, last night I tried pizza- I just thought it'd be fine because I have eaten it before. I didn't eat the crust. Anyhow, I had my worst stuck episode(and I haven't had many). I slimed, pb'd and felt like I heaved(only…

what kind do you have? plans for anymore??

I had my surgery Aug. 23. Is the band loose and not filled at all? I am confused if I am suppose to be normal hungry or not. Help!

I am 24 years old and am 4 days post op from the lap band. I would like to meet someone who is post or pre op with the band. I am in Atlanta,Ga and am looking forward to a new journey.

I'm aware we are NOT supposed to drink our calories, but every now-and-then I still replace a meal with a protein shake. Am I cheating myself (and the band)??

Hey everyone! Just wanted to share....... I went thru my closet today and found and old pair of jeans size 12. I was beyond excited that they even went over my butt, when I could actually button and zipper them and they fit I couldn't believe it!!!! I was so friggin excited!!!!!! I even sat in them and it didn't feel like the button was gonna pop off and ricochet off the walls or like I was squeezing myself to death lol. needless to say it was a good day :-)

This is more for myself so I remember but comments are always welcome! I have been stuck a lot in the past few months, been through un-fills, complete un-fill, fluoroscopy and have decided I will write down the things I should be doing all the time: 1. Never go too long without food - plan to have food ready for when I am hungry so I avoid hunger pangs. I make bad food choices when I get to that stage. I also eat faster and chew less which increases the chances of getting stuck. 2. Keep drinking Water - keeps saliva thin and keeps saliva from collecting around the band, makes me less hungry too. Start with a glass of water when you wake up. 3. If I get stuck - tak…

I have been using Herbalife for the last 3 mobths. It did jumpstart my weightloss. I am amazed. I have been at 34lbs loss in 1 1/2 yrs. the last three months i lost 16lbs. And its healthy. Dr approved. My goal for additional 50lbs loss is by march 2014.

Anyone from Louisiana part of the Head's Up program through OGB? I am a part of the program and I would love to share/keep up with you who are on this journey with me.

I'm wondering if anyone else has ever had this problem. This is the third time this has happened to me (I was banded Dec 2010). I'm going along really well, able to eat anything I want, and then one day I can't hardly get anything down and it it lasts for days and days! Right now I'm trying to make it on Protein shakes and mushy foods . The other two times the doc put me one prednisone and liquids and now I have no Fluid in my band, and it still happens! I get food stuck still, too. I have caught myself eating too fast, so I have slowed way down again. I have to admit that have been overeating, with no fills I get hungry a lot. I'm afraid I have stretched my p…

Well had my band placed 1 month ago today and I'm down 19.2 lbs. My bmi for the first time in years was 29. Its sad that I was excited to be considered overweight and not obese. NSV.

I had almost all of my fluid removed due to being too tight and a prolapse in July. A month ago we began refilling by adding 3cc which had me at 4 1/2. I have zero restriction with that and I'm hungry all he time. I go back Monday and I was wondering if I should ask for another aggressive fill (like2cc) or can 1 cc sometimes make a huge difference in restriction? Thanks fellow banisters!

I am 8 days post op and have constant hunger pains.

I got my band in 10 1/2 years ago. I love my band...don't get me wrong, I have had plenty of struggles, some of them severe. But I have lost 134 pounds and have stayed withing 5 to 10 pounds of my current weight 142 for a few years. I have had my fill completely removed several times and the refilling process is almost always grueling. But then I get to my sweet spot and the weight comes off. That brings me to my current problem...about 2 1/2 months ago, I began to have serious reflux problems. You know what I mean...regurgitating acid through the night, cough, hoarse throat, nausea, etc. I did research on the proper GERD/reflux diet and made lifestyle changes, which I …

I'll ask them whether I should have tried a more "natural" method.... http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/19/woman-swallows-tapeworm-iowa_n_3780313.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular

Hello November Nymphs, Some news to share and an update from me. My gastric band has been left alone for about six years without any doctor’s review or adjustment. During my annual health checks the x-ray always confirmed it was properly positioned. All this time I’ve been completely happy with it and my weight has been a stable 98-100kg with no real effort from me. Over the last six months or so I’d crept up 3kg and I’ve had some uncomfortable acidic feelings in my stomach which was easily remedied by an antacid tablet or a bite of food like a cracker biscuit. But I was munching more and more Rennies antacid tablets so sought some medical help via an upper GI x-ray…

Hi all- I so need a buddy to keep motivated. I have lost 70 pounds so far in 9-10 months but I have had a plateau since the end of Dec./early Jan. I had a fill in Feb. but then had to go back for a partial unfill. Even though I was more restricted, I haven't broken the plateau. Because I have gotten discouraged, I have developed some bad habits again like drinking loaded soda and having ice cream and candy. I have gained about 4 pounds and am so scared. Because of work, I am not exercising like I once did. I have asked a "famous" you-tube lapbander that is a facebook "friend" a couple of questions on two separate occasions and never have gotten an answer. I really …

I'm having a heck of a time finding a lapband doctor to do my fills. No one will call or email me back once they find out I was banded in NC. Does anyone know of any local doctors who will take patients who were banded somewhere else? I'm in the New Tampa area.

I would like to hear from people regarding doctors in the area where I am. Just looking for references!!! I am attending a meeting next week at PeaceHealth SW, but know there are other Drs and hospitals in and around the area. Looking for the best, safest, etc. Can someone help me?

Hi so I have had my band since June 4th, with two fills. I have another fill in a couple days, but I don't know if I need it loosened or tightened. I will admit, I have been throwing up a little, but I am not losing weight???? I don't get it, can someone explain what's going on, and if I actually need my band loosened?

Typically in Washington we do not have this type of humid weather. Lately I have been extremely tight and my band is irritable. The only thing that has changed is the weather. Do you think it could cause the band to be different? Those of you who either are from Washington and are having the same issue please respond or those of you who live in areas that you have experienced this. Thank you so much.

Ok, I'm feeling pretty good that my fill went well. I got 1.5cc of saline today and I experienced no issues...Yippee for me, so myself and the NP were happy. I'm back on liquids for two days and one day of soft foods and I am very ready to get back into my workout regimen..

I posted a comment on another members topic on Vitamins and have been receiving a lot of emails on what vitamins I use, and how to test your vitamins. Most people do not realize the type of Vitamin we take is very important. NOT ALL VITAMINS ARE CREATED EQUAL! Our stomach acids are suppose to dissolve the vitamins and our body needs to absorb it. Thats how our bodies receive its nutrients. If your vitamins are not working for you, then you are just swallowing a pill for no reason!!!! It doesnt matter how much they cost, it only matter if our body is absorbing the nutrition of the vitamin. This is important because for many reasons like skin, hair, bones, teeth, nail, en…

I had to share this because it's so good! I have a weakness for frozen, slushy type drinks. For instance, Taco Bell's pina colada freeze was always a favorite of mine. But I don't need all the sugar and calories so it's rare I'll have one. So, I have done some experimenting! I took Ice (that's the brand name) coconut pineapple sparkling Water and froze it. (this rids the carbonation). Then, I crushed it up in a blender. Next, I poured in some more of the coconut pineapple sparkling water and blended it together (the blender killed the carbonation again). This made it the slushy consistency. I swear, it is just as good as the Taco Bell freeze. Maybe even bett…

Good Afternoon fellow Bandsters! What is everyone making for dinner tonight?

Ok, I have a friend of a friend...lol ... both banded 6 yrs ago. One has been very successful & the other, not so much. During a conversation she mentioned wishing she could get back to eating the way she did after first being banded. I'm a newbie, but remembered reading about this and so I suggested she try the 5 day Pouch Test; neither had a clue what I was talking about! I finally found the link and looked it over, as well as posts on this site, so I guess my question is: DOES SHE NEED TO PURCHASE THE BOOK? (-or does this pretty much sum it up-) ------------------------------------------------ Day 1-2: liquids Day 3: soft Protein Day 4: firm p…

Well i have an appointment with my surgeons asst tomorrow. I am prob getting the .05 put back in that I had taken out ! I feel I can eat too much like tonight had a tiny pile of pasta ( once in a while thing ) a half of a pork chop and and a small ear of corn. Just think I need more in. Don't think i found that sweet spot yet. Ugh Almost 4 Years later ! Ugh I am broken. I can eat bread as well ! I feel lien a idot. I was 241 at my highest. Now I am 154 I am tricking to get to 140 but I am not budging ! Ugh

I got my first fill today only 3 cc's but I will take it. My surgeon is also making me wait 5-6 wks for another one. I am not going to rush the process but work hard with what I have!

I bought one yesterday. I bought tons of fruit and veggies and have been whipping up different things. Question... My surgery is 9/17 .. Once I'm done with the post op eating requirements would smoothies be a good source or nutrition and what would a smoothie serving size be?

Can you take diet pills with lap-band? Lost one pound in five weeks:( ... My friend told me about this pills Garcinia Cambogia? Does anyone try it before ?

Is the inability to drink coffee in the morning and frequent stuck episodes a sign that I'm too tight? My doctors office feels this is normal but I hate it!

(Warning: Lengthy Read) So I had a recent conversation where I shared that I am struggling with 5 stubborn pounds that I seem to lose and gain repeatedly. The response minimized my struggle and questioned why I felt so unsatisfied after having lost so much weight overall. The conversation reminded me that there is a huge distinction between starting the band journey and the latter end where you reach goal and wish to maintain your loss. I thought it would be a good topic to discuss with newbies and to enlighten others on why 5 lbs mean so much. So.. you got banded. What's your goal? We all have one. Some are generic like being healthy, others specific size x and…

What is the clinical name for the B12 injections that lap band patients received?

Is it ok to eat more then a cup if it's salad lett Tom cukes and protein like chicken or shrimp?

So Much has happen in my life since the Lap Band! I Look Great and Best of Them All, I am Getting Married November 9th 2013!! I can't wait to look great in my dress, and yes i just got a divorce not too long ago!! You see How Good God is!! Someone who did not love me used to call me Fat Garbage! But Now Someone Who does love me calls Me Gold and a Blessing!!! Smiling all the wall down the Chappel and to The Bank!!! Love All of You!!!

I just purchased a countertop convection oven at an auction, cooked with it for the first time tonight. From the research I looked up on the internet it is suppose to be a healthier option for cooking. Anyone cook with one? Suggestions?? Thank You!!

So, I'm struggling with my decision on whether the lap band is right for me. Several months ago I went to the doctor. I had been on a weight loss plan last year and got down to the 260's, but then skin cancer reared its ugly head and somehow it got away from me. So when I was at the doctor after all was finally settled and I was in good health I saw I was at 285. She wanted me to get lap band but I said... no. I opted to try to do it on my own. I joined weight watchers, I joined a gym and I started taking Alli It's been 3 months... I'm down to 271 and about 5" in my waist and stomach... but I've completely plateued and no change in diet or exercise will get me moving …

Had my band on Thursday the 29th of August, but I have already ate 1 hamburger slowly on the 2 nd day, and had shrimp the 3 rd day. Omg what's happening to me. I'm still on my liquids but just wanted them. I am not suffering at all. What's wrong with me? The only soreness I have is around my belly button.

Pre lapband my blood pressure was 210/103 and my fasting blood sugar was 138. Since getting the lapband Nov 7 2012 I have lost 79 pounds, and have lowered my blood pressure to 135/70 and my fasting blood sugar is 90! Yay!

Do any of you on occasion have popcorn, how does your band handle it? I have been told its a slider

I am pooting myself to death! I feel like the little engine who could..and does! Does it come from swallowing air as I chew my food slower? I have had my band 5 weeks..no fill yet..

hi all I'm a 30 year old single female living in Woodridge New York originally from New York City. I was banded Mar 17 2010, my weight loss thus far is 107lbs. I started my journey at 5'10" 345 pounds, after starting weight loss it's been hard to find someone who can relate to me on all levels of my journey. I'm simply looking for someone to share experiences with, someone who knows the struggles of weight loss. I go to support meeting every other month on Tuesday evenings. any gentleman out there looking to hang out and get to know eachother or email/ text as a pen pal feel free contact me.

Hey guys! Ever since my surgery I noticed that my hair is a lot thinner. I've been using biotin vitamins but I wanted to see if anyone has any suggestions that may be more effective! thanks!

I'm scheduled to have my lap-band removed. After struggling with pain for the past 4 1/2 years, and minor weight loss (30 pounds), I am ready to say goodbye to the band. When I got banded in 2008, I had all good intentions. Follow up with the doctor, follow the diet guidelines, and get support through classes. I tried to find the sweet spot. After being filled, unfilled, refilled, there was never any sweet spot. In fact, with the band unfilled, I still have restriction, and pain. The pain is centered in my chest, and feels like someone is standing on my sternum when I wake up in the morning. The band has my stomach so irritated, I cannot eat eggs in the morning, …

So just got .05 cc back has this made a big difference in anyone ? I am hoping I notice a difference once I can eat protein solids. Also what is a good thing to eat after a full to stay full. I can do really mushy stuff

I've had a ruff couple of months...started having reflux in June, difficulty swallowing. I only had 2 cc in my band, so never kept it tight. Emptied it, things got worse and fast. I've been on soft diet to rest my esophagus, but the doctors think the band has grown scar tissue under it and its going to come out. I'm very upset about this. I've been super vigilant about my diet, eating habits to make sure I wouldn't fail. Didn't make a difference. Doctors say they are seeing more and more like me and there's a chance I will have damage that won't heal, so prolly no revision surgery. I'm so close to goal. Not a happy camper right now and questioning why damage to t…