LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Hi all, Im at 24o now and need to loose 100 pounds, will the lap band let me do that? or is bypass better for me. My goal is to loose slowly. thanks

Hi all. Decided to share my experiences. I have lost about 50 pounds so far (go back to the surgeon this Friday). I am a very heavy person, if I lived at Seaworld I would rate my own aquarium. When I went in for surgery (for large-size lap band) I weighed 460 pounds. I kissed my hubby and said I would see him in about an hour. I woke up 3 days later in the ICU. Because I had abdominal surgery about 20 years back, doc had to cut away mondo adhesions. The surgery lasted 5 hours. They put me on a pain pump afterwards and evidently I just kept pushing it. It seems that due to my great weight and the length of the surgery, my lower back nerves were compressed, giving…

Hi, I don't know if this has already been posted but I just got this email regarding the opening of some fill centers... Hi , You had expressed interest in staying updated on our progress so I thought that I would send you a quick email updating you on all of our locations. Below you will see our centers that are now open and performing fills and centers that will be opening within the month and also projected sites that we’re very excited about. To see how close one is to you go to our locator map on our website by Clicking here! (The only centers you’ll find on our locator map are the Centers that are open and seeing patients) PROJECTED OPENING WITHIN THE Y…

Hello to everyone, I was banded in Sydney on the 27th Sept 2005. I've only lost 9kg. I went back last week & had a fill.(5wks over due) I now have 2.5mls in my band. Hopefully now I will start loosing again. I have a quick question for Jodie. Did you have to get all your fill taken out when you became pregnant ? ?:preggers: Well done to you on your web site. I read it last nite. Very interesting... Glad to of found this site. start weight 27-9-05 136.5kg today weigh 25-01-05 127.5kg 165cm tall

Hey, just wanted put a thread out there for us Houston Texan bandsters. I know I'm one! Anyone else out there in bandland dwelling in Houston or the surrounding area? Maybe we could have a Big O'l Texas Bash one day! You know how us Texans like to do things BIG!

:update: Hi gang, :update: I wanted to fill you all in on my surgery. Garry and I met with Dr.Voellinger this afternoon and I will not have surgery this week. We have to wait n the insurance company to approve everything. I do not have to be on a liquid diet before hand:hungry: :clap2: but I will have to be on liquids and mushies for 3 weeks after:faint: I will be in for 1 or 2 nights. If it turns out to be open surgery then longer. It just looks like I'm a lucky one! It isn't that common but does happen. It really does suck, but I have to tell you I am putting it in Gods hands. Everything from the date of the surgery to my sucess. I can't go forward unless …

I stopped at the store today and they were passing out little cups of this to taste. It was pretty good, kinda tasted like frozen yogurt only it wasn't frozen. It's called Activia (with Bifidus Regularis) and it is made by Dannon. If you eat one every day it is supposed to keep you regular. It says it is a delicious way to help naturally regulate your digestive system. It is clinically proven to be effective in two weeks, when eaten daily. It contains a unique culture - Bifidus Regularis exclusive to Dannon. It is a smoothe, blended, lowfat yogurt with fruit pieces. It has 110 calories and 5g of Protein. It comes in strawberry, vanilla, mixed fruit, blueberry,…

I'm just feeling down and like I need a kick in the ole crotch to get me highly motivated again! I am at the three month mark and I stopped losing a month ago! I,m not going to the gym to do the tredmill a half hour a day anymore. I have been going thru hell of an over fill for a month so all my food has been coming up.....but did I loose weight? NO...not with milkshakes around!!! Anyway now that everything is as it shoud be....I want to get back on track and could use a few kindly placed kicks in the crotchs to get this ole girl back in line!:faint:

Just wondering how long did it take most of you to get rid of the swelling in the tummy mostly by the port?? It looks like im prego! im soo tired of wearing sweats i feel like an ad for nike or something! went to my post appt and all is good i do have a bit of infection in one of my smaller incisions but no biggie dr says ...i just do poroxide and sporn seems a bit less red today and stopped oozing ...yeah! When i started this i was at 215 i know it isnt really big but for me it was making life miserable im only 5 2 and a quater Have diabeties and high blood pressure so far im down to 178 and that is with liquid diet before surgery so im very pleased also im down to 20…

Ready to RUMBLE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! January 1, 2006 - HAPPY NEW YEAR !!! I am being brutally honest folks here.... so don't shiver when you read what I ate today. Tomorrow I am going to start.. I threw out the chips today and Cookies. NO MORE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! food PORN BELOW......... WARNING !!!! B- coffee w/sf coffee mate (so far) L- Tortillini Alfrado, cookies.... LOTS :confused: D- Tortilline Alfr, Cocktail franks, Orange Ckn, Potato salad, Carrot Cake... YEP LOTS, No restriction folks, not a tad S- Chips & Dip, Coffee Water- LOTS Exercise- None, just cleaned MIL's house for her...but thats it. Personal: No eating after 7 pm

OK,no response to the difference between upper GI and endo,so lets try this.... How do they do an endoscopy? Anyone know?I am a RN but I am not English speaking.The terms are confusing to me and I would like to find out if it is a gastroscopy we are talking about when one says endoscopy. Help please....

:help: Is this a new disability of the band? I have been banded 10 days and I get these awful sharp shoulder pain. It started about 4 days after surgery. These don't feel like the gas pains which get better by walking and eventually burping out (sorry for the visual). These pains occur when I'm up and about - even if I'm sitting around as opposed to walking around. Ibuprofen helps some but laying down on my left side is what fixes it. Is it just me - anyone else out there?

Pre-bander, here! Just wondering how much weight you have lost in one year. Some are trying to convince me to get the RNY because "you lose weight so much quicker." I don't mind losing slowly; in fact, I prefer that. BUT--I'd like to at least lose 40-50lbs in a year. If it takes me two-three years to get to goal--so be it. What's the most you've lost in one year--the least? Thanks!!!!

Just some stuff that has been tumbling around in my brain. I have ALWAYS considered myself fat. Never have I thought I was normal. All of my friends were normal, but not me. With 40 pounds lost, things are changing... Something is awakening inside me! I have always longed to be the flirty gal that all the guys want to talk to (even though I am VERY happily married) You know the girl, the one that walks past a table and all the heads turn. I want to be her! Well, Saturday night we went to a fish fry with some of our closest friends. I was the only girl there, like I usually am, but it was different this time. The guys were treating me like a girl, not like one of…

I finally have the level of restrction I had when I was first banded. I was wondering when it would happen and it finally has. You know it is like I guess when a person on crack is searching for that high they got the first time they hit the pipe.( For those of you who may be offended by this remark I apologize butno other analogy comes to me at this time). Well I got it. I can only eat about 3oz at a time. I feel great. I eat soup now and I am full for about 5 hours. I eat my solid food and it is amazing how much I have left on my plate. I am at 2.8cc's in my 4cc band. I feel good not too tight this is just right. I hope this lasts a long time. I have already lost 4 lbs …

I seem to have scar tissue built up around my port. It's not so much that you can see but it seems like alot when I poke around. I'd say my port and scar tissue all together is the size of 1/2 a golf ball. Does this seem normal?

I know it's a little early for this. Does anyone know about claiming the surgery on your taxes? When I first had it done they told me that I could claim up to $10,000. Is this correct? And does it include airfares ( I was banded in MX)? Thanks alot, Cathy

Hey all, Last night I was visiting another board and stumbled onto a WLS memorial page. YIKES! Granted, all were RNY, but this snaking chill ran up my spine and I thought, what if I don't make it out of surgery??? What if I get phnumonia, a blood clot? What if I get an uncontrollable infection?? I was thinking am I doing the right thing? That yes, I'm fat but I don't want to die! The realization that I am actually going to put myself under the knife to lose weight hit me like a ton of bricks last night. Quite frankly....I'm scared!:help:

my friend had lap band put in in November 2005, today she had a 2ml fill and is now in excruciating pain..12 hours later... she has called the doctor who has shrugged it off... i'm trying to find some info for her...i hope someone is here...urgent please....she's in tears of pain...

Well, not against color or religion. Or any other major way. Nope, I think I have a thing against skinny people. I bought my husband a TiVo for Christmas. I'm a Food Network junkie. I love Paula Deen. I'm a big southern girl...so she's right up my ally. Bacon grease, butter..yum. So my husband thought I would also enjoy Sandra Lee- semi homemade - I guess for the convenience. I tried watching it a few times, but just couldn't get into it. She weighs about a buck o five. It shows her tasting her dishes...then it usually cuts to commercial ( I think so she can spit it out). It also gets on my nerves that she wears clothes and redecorates her kitchen to match the…

I am 5'3" and right now i am tipping the scales at 205ish. I have the absolute swellest hubby:cool: in the world! He has presented me with the 15 g's needed for the surgery. I went to one of Dr. Spiegel's seminars, but after researching doctors in the houston area, I have decided to go with Dr. Spivak. My consult is Saturday, February 4, 2006. I will definitly be completing the appropriate paperwork and getting that cashier's check from the bank, ASAP. Anyone have any good advice for me?:help: I also want to track my progress with pics, measurements, weight loss totals, etc. Is this the best place to do this?? Any advice welcome!:clap2:

http://i.charmingshoppes.com/is/image/LaneBryant/LPFR0103?wid=123&hei=150&fmt=jpeg&qlt=95,0&op_sharpen=0&resMode=sharp&op_usm=0.5,0.3,0.0,0http://i.charmingshoppes.com/is/image/LaneBryant/LS000049?wid=123&hei=150&fmt=jpeg&qlt=95,0&op_sharpen=0&resMode=sharp&op_usm=0.5,0.3,0.0,0http://i.charmingshoppes.com/is/image/LaneBryant/LS000046?wid=123&hei=150&fmt=jpeg&qlt=95,0&op_sharpen=0&resMode=sharp&op_usm=0.5,0.3,0.0,0http://i.charmingshoppes.com/is/image/LaneBryant/LPSR0020?wid=123&hei=150&fmt=jpeg&qlt=95,0&op_sharpen=0&resMode=sharp&op_usm=0.5,0.3,0.0,0 Just bought these 4 littl…

I hope it has it right down at the bottem of the main board... Happy Birthday to you...Happy Birthday to you....:clap2: :happybday2: :happybday2: A big group hug from your NC friends...

My local friend was banded in Oct of 2003 by Dr. Lopez. After having port problems after a C-section she finally was able to get an endoscopy this past Monday. We were supposed to get together this evening but I was starting to freak out because I couldn't get a hold of her. I finally called the hospital to see if she was still there and sure enough she was. Evidently she had a very bad case of erosion with a bad infection. Aside from the constant port problems this past year she had absolutely no other symptoms and felt fine. We had asked several other band doctors about having an endoscopy done and none thought it was neccessary until she went to this particular doctor…

How many of you did atkins before surgery? and how successful were you? I really want to be below 300 if possible before surgery so that my BMI is as close to 50 as possible, and my mother loves atkins and swears that will help. But I want to hear how it went after the band. Did you have trouble with taking in carbs and such? Was there an initial weight gain after the surgery? Thanks!! Amy

What is that noise that girggles in your throat after eating, is that a sign of pb'ing or overeating.

Newbe - New to the site - 10 days and counting - any words of wisdom.

I was wondering how many people have their band filled to the maximum, and if they feel they are tight enough. I had my band done a year ago and have almost maximum fill, and doubt it will ever be tight enough. If you have a leak, is there any physical signs? ( that might be another thread). Best wishes, Rachel.

I have written on this site a few times, but am looking for support during this time of depression, frustration and defeat. In a nutshell, I was banded last September and only 7 short days after being banded I started having drainage from my port incision. The next day it was confirmed that my port area was infected. My Dr. cut open my port incision to allow the area to drain better (I packed it twice/day) and I was put on antibiobics. Three weeks later it was no better, and I had surgery to remove my port. Three VERY long months of using a wound vac 24/7 and having nurses come 3 times a week to treat me later, I was finally off the wound vac and my hole was closed!! This…

So - take the question in the light it's meant, but seriously -- you guys have some of the biggest collar bones I've ever seen. And that's not just LB, that's DS, RNY, etc. They're way more protrusive than others I know who have lost the same weight through diet & exercise. Between the neck & breastbone, everyone looks like they're about 15# below goal. :biggrin1:

hi all, my aunt continues to have success with the lap band. she is now down 121 pounds as of 11/22/04! now, her 22 yo daughter is in the process for getting a band! truthfully, her husband and son could use one too, but they are not interested. and the whole family has just joined a great hospital gym associated with my uncle's job. i haven't given much advice to my cousins about weight loss, et al., because i didn't want them to think it was all i saw. but now that they are taking steps to improve their health, i wrote down the top 10 things i've learned about exercise and body size/image over the years. i didn't share my thoughts on diet. i'll save that for an…

I would like to ask a question of those who hold to a decidedly Christian worldview (though anyone is free to contribute). I know there have been discussions about whether or not being obese is a moral failing but is WLS decision a moral/spiritual issue? I was just talking to friend of mine who also struggles with her weight. From a Christian worldview, we began discussing whether or not being overweight was a spiritual issue and whether WLS surgery is, in a way, circumventing God's ability to work in our lives in this area. For instance, are we overweight because we have not given our emotional/food issues over to God? And is having WLS another way of saying, "God…

I only told two people (both men) I work with that I had lapband surgery. A woman I work with emailed me last week saying that I have been such an inspiration to her after losing alot of weight. She said that she is miserable and wants to know how I got started and how I've been able to lose so much weight and keep it off. *sigh* this has been very difficult for me because I feel like I'm lying to her. How have some of you helped others that have come to you seeking advice about weight loss and they don't know you've been banded, and you don't want them to know?

:clap2: Iwas just banded 1/24. I feel pretty ok now! on the road!!

does anyone wear old navy plus? I was wondering if anyone felt like the clothing ran tru to size or if its a little 'smaller' or 'bigger' then regular plus size clothing... im aware that everyones different and what is snug on someone might be loose on another... but im just curious as to what people have experienced with this brand in general.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!! I have been in New Jersey for a week and away from the board for a LONG time. I miss ya'll. Hope you all had a great Christmas and New Years. I ate like a pig! And a fool. I've been eating even when I'm full. Not much past the full point but still...a big no no! I'm glad to be home and start back in my new normal regular life. I even had McDonalds today!!! But I had about a 3/4 of a burger a few fries. So I guess I shouldn't beat myself up to much. It's just this eating when I'm not hungry, like Im afraid I'm gonna miss something. Like the cookies or candy will never be around again! AHH I guess it's time to call Debbie a…

:help: Hi bandsters. I am excited yet very nervous! MYSURGERY DATE IS SET FOR vALENTINES DAY. I wet for my PAT's today all should be fine for medical clearance my tomorrow. Dr did it as a stat order since it is due tomorrow. BUT I'm scared!!!! Not having 2nd thoughts but still scary. I want to lose more then 1-2 lbs a week, I am determined not to cheat and can't wait until I lose a little so I can exercise. Anyone else scard out there? I will have surgery at Hackensack Medical Center in NJ with Dr Schmidt who is highly reccommended. His bedside manner was kind of boring at our initial consultation but I have heard others say he's so great. Please help me ca…

:help: Got banded January 12 ( 17 days).... Went to the South Florida fair today. I wasn't there 1/2 hour and convinced my husband that I could eat fried dough because I had read that I wouldn't have any restriction until my first fill......WRONG!!!!!! O. M. G. I felt such pain! I remember reading NOT to drink anything and I walked around and that didn't help so I knew I had to find the bathroom. I stuck my finger down my throat [sorry : - ) ] and got sick. My poor husband was so worried I felt better and walked around and knew again that I needed a bathroom. Got sick again. Got home and had some applesauce... ?slimed? I think they call it. It has be…

Due to popular demand, the wise folks at the offices of Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons have added another LapBand support group to their monthly schedule! Now we'll be meeting twice a month, on the second and last Wednesdays of each month at 7:00 p.m. The meeting is on the same floor as the office, and pre-bandsters are MORE than welcome! Modesty prohibits me from divulging the identity of one of the co-moderators :nervous , but the other one is our own Alexra!! Let's hear it for Alexra!! :clap2: :clap2: :whoo:

Hey everyone. I really think my band has slipped, I don't know for sure. I am not having any pain, but I am getting stuck on everything. I am even barely able to keep liquids down. I know I am taking in some liquids, because I am still peeing. I started noticing something was up on Sunday, when we went out for my birthday. I pbed at dinner and didn't seem to be able to get unstuck. Ever since then I haven't been able to keep hardly anything down. I am in touch with my Dr. and waiting for him to figure out if I am slipped or not. In the meantime, can anyone tell me what symptoms I should have if I am slipped?

Today....I did a 5k with my friend. Yes, I walked it. Yes, my time was 52.10 which means I was walking a slow turtle-like 17 min mile...but I did it. I finished it. It was a BEAUTIFUL walk through San Francisco and I found it to be easy, actually. Six months ago and 75 lbs ago I could NEVER have done this. I physically could NOT have done a 5k. This morning I did it with relative ease. And that my friends is an NSV!!! Yay me!!!!!! Yay Katrinka (my band)!!!!

i hope to use this forum as support after i get my surgery, so i thought i would go ahead and introduce myself now before my surgery. My name is max and i am 18 and i will be banded this thursday the 2nd of febuary. I will be banded by Dr. Jason Brodsky in washington dc. I'm kind of nervous but also very very excited. Any tips or anything is welcomed, thank you. max

What is the difference between and upper GI and the Endoscopy?How do they do and endoscopy test? Thank you...

OK, I need some help here!!! I have always loved to watch those people that can dance so beautifully it looks like they are floating... With my current weight loss, my confidence is rising and my hubby's friends have been wanting to go dancing. I have NO idea how or what to do and I feel like a HUGE clown when I do try to dance. Is there any such thing as a video that could teach me a little so I won't look like a complete idiot. I am talking about the 2-Step or whatever... I Just need HELP!!! THANKS!

Yesterday, I had to go to the pet store to get some hay for my bunny. While at the shopping centre, I thought I'd try on a few pairs of jeans, just to see if I could find any I like. Went to 3 different stores. In every one, I was able to fit into a couple of their size 14's! That's a 12 in US sizes!! I danced the happy dance lol. The last time I could wear a size 12 US, I was in my senior year of high school .. and even then they didn't fit comfortably (yesterday they did).

I do a lot of reading here but don't post much. I posted a few months back about bulimia and the band and got lots of positive advice. Unfortunately I was unable to follow it and the Bulimia took over my life. This is a warning to others, cause I'm sure there are some eating disorder people here. My band has slipped badly, the food is not going down. So all my fill is goine. Plus, i'm having to go cold turkey on the Bulimia so I don't do any further damage. Please , please , please look after your band. Don't do what I did.:embarassed:

Hello all, I'm a prime candidate for lap band surgery. BMI>44 with at least 2 co-morbidities. I will be paying for the surgery out of pocket. I don't want to spend more money than I need to but I also don't want to through myself under some hack. However, 60 minutes did a story last Sept. about medical procedures in Thailand and India. The procedure in India is significantly less than half of cost of the most popular provider in the NW U.S.A. (even with airfair and hotel). The Apollo hospital in India is Joint Commission International certified so I think their proccesses and procedures have to be good. My main concern is getting the all important fills and afte…

You guys are great. Thanks for being here for me. I really need you guys right now. It is so comforting to have your support and prayers. I am nervous but the encouragment that you give me helps SO SO much. I will keep you posted about the details as they come in. Love you all,

I went to the bar to a motorcycle club party for an hour yesterday. It was the first time in over 2 years that I have been out in the town I live in. I just got too self conscious about being fat and then too much out of touch to go out. I don't see myself going out alot or partying until closing but a little socializing once in awhile will work. It never bothered me to go out alone because I rode motorcycle for the last 25 years. There wasn't any other women to go with back then. I also worked out of town alot and got used to going places by myself. Yet, all of the sudden I didn't want to be out and seen because of my size. The strange part is it will prob…

I wish Dr Abkin had place the band on brain I'm very hungry only in my head and is horrible and don't know what to do any advise?:help: