LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Okay guys, I finally have got restriction! I am at 2.2cc. The first 3 days I was good and tight and full with just about 1/2 cup. The 4th day I wasn't very restricted. The 5th and 6th day after (today is the 6th day) I am very restricted in the morning and can only eat a few bites of an egg before I'm hiccuping and spitting up some of it. Then there is much less restriction later in the day. Any suggestions as to how to keep the restriction going as strong later in the day?

Does anyone know of any PCP in the Houston area who is familiar with banded patients? I keep thinking that it would be a good idea to have a doctor who understands the impact of medications and diet on banded patients. Someone who does not think that because I have a band I am like a bypass patient. I am being banded in Mexico, and therefore I want to be sure that I have aftercare that is appropriate. (Not only the aftercare for band issues, I have that covered)

:notagree NOW waiting on sleep study appointment.Did anyone use a sleep machine doing or after surgery? I was told that I will have to use one doing and after Surgery So I"M just wondering is there anymore like me out there:cry very scared right now

Just wanted to start a positive thread. I am looking forward to having more energy, better sex and not not worrying if I am going to brake the toliet when I sit down:teeth: jen

Hello Everyone! I go in for my consult tommorrow. I have had great success in the past with Atkins and because I have had gestational diabetes in all three of my pregnancies and have a family history of diabetes, I know that a low carb diet is best for me. Are there any bandsters out here on Atkins or simply low carbing? I noticed many people discussing calories and cups and I just can't understand any of that. On Atkins we are taught not to worry so much about the calories or the amounts (non carb). The portion conytrol kicked in with keytosis and I did fine but for 7 years now I have been pregnant and/or nursing and find it difficult to low carb without being in ket…

a while ago but can't find it anywhere now. I did a search. can anyone help? It was about starting over or the 'do over' I think it was called. Would be interested to see how its going for others and if it might help me...:confused:

Hi guys, I have a question regarding restriction. When you have good restriction can you ONLY eat a certain amount of food not counting on willpower to stop, or do you always have to have willpower to stop eating at a meal? I got a fill on Jan. 4 (2cc in 4cc band) and I am trying to figure out if I need another one. Thank you,

Retd today from Dr. Kuri - GOOD experience Just a note/long one to let my fellow Minnesotans and Wisconsinites know that... After all the crying and stress and worry I finally found peace in my decision and had the LB surgery on 1/12/06 - that's right 2 days ago. I just got back home to MN about an hour ago and wanted to let those of you who patiently put up with will all my worries and questions - that I am fine - and happy. I saw Dr. Kuri and his team of surgeons in TJ, Mexico. They were more than what I could have expected. Yes, the nurses and assistants spoke little English but they were kind and thorough - and any time there was something that they could not un…

Hi everyone. I was banded on Thursday (4 days ago) and I'm feeling great; just some soreness around the port site. I have a few questions. 1) How long did the port site soreness last? 2) How long did your doctor prescribe a full liquid diet? How long for mushies? Did you ever cheat? I would kill at this point for some mashed potatos or creamy Soup. I've been drinking Protein shakes (OK'ed by my doc at this stage for me), broth, and Jello. YUM. NOT! I'm getting tired of it and it's only the 4th day. How did you all get through it without killing someone? 3) I can gulp Water with no problem. I feel no restriction. Shouldn't I feel at least *some* restriction since t…

4 months ago I started a thread about my mother-in-law. I am still having problems with her & not quite sure what to do!! I had told my family & friends that I was having Lapband surgery & was TRAVELING to San Diego to have it done. (Which is TRUE!!) My husband & I had struggled with whether to tell our family about my having surgery in Mexico. We decided to be honest & tell the truth. However, we decided it would be best to tell everyone AFTER I had the surgery. 6 weeks after I had recooperated & had my first fill, I told everyone about Mexico. My entire family was fine with it all. My mother was happy for me, my friends had no problems. …

Hi~ I took yesterday off work and got all my pre-op testing out of the way...chest x-ray, EKG, physical, blood work, and pulmonary function test. I was told everything looked fine. Just 2 more weeks to go until the 24th! I'm excited and nervous, but I'm sure both emotions are normal. Emily

I am going in for another fill this week. I have restriction, but I just don't feel like it is enough. I think I am right on the edge of my sweet spot. So my question is, for those of you who have hit your sweet spot, what exactly does it feel like? How much can you eat? What can you eat? What can you not eat? Once again, any input is appreciated!:help:

I started this journey at 330 lbs and wearing a size 28 pant that were tight. Happy to say that I now can wear 22's!! and 18/20 top!

slowly but surely Im getting there-I bought me a treadmill for the house a week or so ago and love it-is a great one-was on sale and then I got the floor model since they were out of stock so saved more plus it was already put together-even better.I recently went to the August max/Casual Corner closing sale and made out like a bandit-their stuff is like 70% off.

:help: Ok I go to the doctor on the the 20th to get the insurance stuff turned in. Some of you know my story about trying to get approved last year and what the barix clinic drama was. Ok so I digress. I know that I can possibly be denied again this year with my new insurance which is Aetna. They are going to want me to go on a doctor supervised diet, which I am actually on right now to get a head start. My question is this, I know I can loose weight on a 1200 calorie diet, but I am unable to maintain that indefinetly, and it comes right back plus. If I loose weight on this diet and my BMI drops below 40 won't the insurance company then say, well if you can loose weight…

Bandsters and ex-Bandsters: I've had problems with no restriction so my doctor did my last fill under fluro so we could see where things were at. Looking at the pictures it was very clear that the tubing that connects the port to the band is "tweaked." Usually the tubing meanders around, but in my case the tube bends into a sharp "V" at one point. My doctor said this wasn't anything urgent--the fill still worked and wasn't obstructed by the "V" in the tubing. However, he suggested that if the "V" didn't undo itself it might only be a matter of time before the tubing degrades or breaks at the point of the "V". Anyone ever seen this one before? Thanks in advance for …

I asked this question in another thread, but thought it might get overlooked there. I got my band last Monday and the port feels like its sticking out quite a ways. As if it's on its edge or something. I called the surgeon who assured me that nothing can pull that port out of place it is probably just swelling and possibly some Fluid built up under the port. Have any of you experienced this? Its really alarming to run my hand over my stomach and have my fingers catch on that thing!

Hello everyone! I did it!! I had surgery on Dec. 28th. I guess I am a big baby, because I am still pouting. I still have alot of pain on my left side where the port is. The hospital staff was absolutely wonderful! They were all so caring. The surgery went really well, but the recovery was not very fun. I have a lot of tightness in my chest, it is kind of like air traveling up my esophagus really slow, and it is pretty painful. Other than me being a weenie I am fine. I went back to work yesterday, and by the time I got home I was exhausted. Maybe with time my energy level will get back to normal. Thanks for all the encouragement I got from this site. Happy New …

I found this fabulous article about Water & how it helps weight loss. It made me want to go drink all 8 glasses in one sitting. I thought it was worth passing on to the group to read. It's a little long, but well worth the read! (sorry!) Water How 8 Glasses a Day Keep Fat Away Water suppresses the appetite naturally & helps the body metabolize stored fat. Studies have show that a decrease in water intake will cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water intake can actually reduce fat deposits. Here’s why: The kidneys can’t function properly without enough water. When they don’t work to capacity, some of the load is dumped onto the liver…

Banded today (1/12)! You all are some tough little girls and boys out there! The gas - ugh - is finally going away some! The port site and incisions are no longer deadened like when I got home - see I thought oh, once I get over this gas it'll be all good! Now, I have feeling in my tummy and it's sore! DH is helping me get up and down and I've gone on 3 or 4 walks to the end of the street and back. Then my big butt's back on the sofa with the liquid hydrocodone close by! I have to go back to work on Monday - so I hope I feel better than this soon! All things considered, not too bad overall though, and I'm very excited. I'm proud to join you as an official bandste…

Has anyone else noticed that they bruise more easily since surgery? I was getting ready this morning and I noticed 5 or 6 small bruises on various areas. Nothing painful or too ugly, but I did think it was weird since I don't remember being any klutzier than usual... Has anyone else experienced this? Do you think it's Vitamin related? I'm having a full blood workup this week and I'm the first to admit that I'm terrible at remembering to take my daily vitamin.

food you are looking for (everything you can think of) in the search bar on the upper right hand side and hit search. You can also change the display according to serving size. And it also shows where the food falls on the pyramid and the breakdown in fats, carbs and protiens. Really great for figuring out what your home made meals "cost" in calories. Just figure out how much each ingredient is, and approx how many servings you have total. We just figured out a chili dinner from my husbands homemade chili is 390 cals. That is with brown sugar and ground beef. We could really cut that down substituting beef for turkey, and brown sugar for rum. Amy

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Hi all, I just wanted to officially introduce myself...I've been lurking around for the past couple weeks on a daily basis and let me first just say THANK YOU ALL for the invaluable information I've been able to gather from all of your posts...your encouragement and support are priceless! :rofl: The Bajanor Obesity Center got the check yesterday from my financing company and will be booking flights for myself and DH today. Thursday is the day!! Dr. Covarrubias will be doing my procedure, along with his team of surgeons. Well, I can't believe it's so soon and I'm so ready, believe me. I feel very blessed to have this opportunity to change my life with this wonderful…

Hi all, I'm looking for some lap-band support groups in Houston, I'm not doing very well own. :cry

:faint: Repost from OH-- I wasn't being rude or trying to rain on her parade--just wanted her to come check out this site. Here is her post: "I have been letting everyone know that I am a bit nervous about my upcoming surgery and I appreciate everyones advice and words of encouragement. However, today someone sent me the following email through this site that I found offensive. "Stacy I don't mean to scare you but I strongly suggest NOT having surgery in MX; there have been several women on lapbandtalk.com with band erosions and all had their surgery with mx doctors; 1 or 2 of the erosions were Dr. Ortiz's patients. Erosion is a serious complication requiring removal…

I have access to all sorts of weight charts, but none show me what a girl that's 5' 10" with a huge bone structure should weigh. Mind you, my wrists and hands are bigger than any woman I know. I can't wear women's watches, I wear a size 11 shoe, and I have an extra large bone structure. I need a goal weight. Can anyone help me figure it out?

Hi! I just found this forum today and it couldn't have happened at a better time. I met with a surgeon yesterday to talk about the band and the surgery ect. He answered all my questions but there is one I forgot to ask. Maybe someone here can help me. I know with gastric bypass there is usually a lot of loose skin left after the fast weight loss. Has anyone experienced that with the band?? Thanks in advance for your help!

WOO WOO!!! Can you tell I'm excited?!?!?! I am going for my first fill in a few minutes, but that's not what has me pumped! The bra - you know, THE BRA - with underwire and pretty material? Well, it is on this body and not cutting me in half (first time in ten years!) AND - I am wearing the shirt - you know, THE SHIRT - with no gaps or stretched out button holes!!!! It is actually a little loose on me~ The scale says 243, but we'll see what it says as I toss it out the window!!! WOO WOO WOO WOO!!! ~cheri:clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

Ok, so nothing too severe (just 5 plain sweet biscuits, only about 200 calories) but just a good reminder that I am still susceptible to eating when stressed and must make efforts to find other ways to deal with it. Gosh they were goooood though, dunked in my coffee:heh: I'm just SOOOOO over school holidays. 3 kids at home, no daycare for Eliza and I cannot do anything I want to do. We must have 20 children between the ages of 5 and 13 living in our end of the street and they are all driving me freaking insane. They are feral, absolutely feral. Today my son was down at a friend's and Fraser was in his room on the playstation with his mate from next door and STILL …

Hi Everyone Happy New Year! I went to see my doctor last tuesday the 3rd and he is so angry with me. I had my surgery on July 27th 05. He said I'm not doing well. I have had 2 fills since my operation. A total of 1.5cc in a 4cc band. It wasn't until my 2nd fill that I have noticed restriction. I have only lost 26lbs in 5 1/2 months. He was so angry. I get such conflicting messages from him and the nutritionist. She says I can eat 5 small meals a day he says absolutely NO snacks THREE meals a day thats it. I asked him how much food should be a meal 12345 cups????????? He couldn't answer me. His response was until I was full. Well If I new that answer do you think I would…

Good Morning All I am new to this, I was banded Friday 6,2006 by Dr Spiegel. I have never been much of a sweet eater my main problem is at meal time when I just can't stop eating. I am not having much of a hard time with this new life but I can't stand the way all these drinks taste with artificial sweeteners in them. Does any one have any suggestions on different drinks?

Do you think it is necessary to have xrays each time you have a fill. I live in the uk and have been reccommended a fill doc who is a lot cheaper (but very good apparently) but does not use xray. What do you guys think?

:help: Does anyone know of a doctor that will take a patient who allready has a lapband? I live between Dallas and Ft. Worth and my doctor does not take my new insurance and the names of the referrals he gave will not take a patient who is allready banded. I am desperate for a doctor. If anyone can help I will be so grateful. Thanks, Janie

:help: Let's see...three weeks in, and the Doc is telling me I need at least 2 protein shakes a day. I'm so confused over it all..am I making this harder than it is? There is animal protein, soy protein, vegetable protein...geez I could go on and on....is one protein the same as the other? Is one healthier than another? And of course trying to find all of this out on a weekend. I just know this smart group can tell me

Just wanted to share a funny story.. Last Friday my daughters boyfriends parents wanted to go to dinner.. (after 3 years of dating it was about time we got together).. I went shopping for an outfit to wear.. settled on black pants and a nice sweater.. felt wonderful to get a nice outfit that fit nicely. Chose the restaurant keeping in mind what I would eat there... made reservations... Friday came about an hour before they were to meet us at our home I hit the shower.. Did my hair...did my makeup.. got dressed and put on my shoes!... MY SHOES DIDN'T FIT! :rofl: I never thought about my shoes!.. I didn't have another pair that would match my outfit.. I had to go to in my…

this is my husband and grandson. this is my son Please bear with me, this is the first time I have every posted pictures.

Anyone in MA ever had plastic surgery, specifically a tummy tuck? Were you pleased with your results and who you used?? I need surgery desparately and I have no idea where to start/who to use. Thanks for any info.

i was banded by Dr. Jose Corvala in Tj Mexico 8/26/05. everthing seemed fine i lost 37lbs with hard work and exercise. now the port site scar has turned red and hot. Dr. Corvala wants to see me this week on Fri. I'm worried he will say it's nothing but really i feel it is something. i read one of the other bandster had this problem and it was a port infection that had to be removed. did i mention she had the same Dr. as me. well i will see how it goes. i have been feeling depressed worried about this. i don't think my weight loss would have been as good without my band nor would i have kept up for this long (4 months). pray for me

Got my band in on Monday and have really gone through a lot of pain. I also had a hernia repaired so Im guessing that's what's caused all of the additional pain. How odd it is to finally have my band, after all this time of waiting and trying to psych myself up for the huge change in eating, and here I am not even wanting to think about food. Ive started on whey protien shakes, slim fast, some chicken broth, and still only reaching about 370 calories but getting in the minimum protien so I guess that's not too bad for the first day or two. No food between Sunday night and Wednesday morning (surgery was on Monday afternoon, came home Tuesday evening) and yet Ive gained …

By that title I suppose you can assume that I'm breaking a few. Remember, I have no fill yet.... 1st, I eat more than a 1/2 cup food at a time. Will this hurt me right now eventhough it feels like the food goes right down? 2nd, I don't always remember to chew stuff to shreds and I accidently swallow it. Will this hurt me in the long run? I don't do it every time....it's just I catch myself in my old habits! A question I never have found the answer to is.... When I get to my goal, can I then drink Water w/ meals if I want to or is there something about drinking w/ meals that will harm the band? Thanks guys :nervous

Hi! I was thinking back tonight about my first visit with my surgeon. I'm not banded yet and am awaiting a surgery date. During the visit he told me he's done 40 bands (by the time I get mine that number will have most likely doubled because he's doing about 4 or 5 per week). He said that of those 40 people, three people have had their bands removed. Two because of acid reflux and one because of a hole that occurred either during or after surgery. This hole was located just above the stomach somewhere. The surgeon gave some explanation about "shearing" away part of some membrane to get behind the stomach or something, and maybe because this person had already suffered f…

:help: :help: :help: Why are there never anyone chatting in the open forum we all need someone to vent to and I just wish that we could all get together and go in and just have a good coffee clutch and those who need to cry, can and the ones that need to scream,can And the ones that need a hug can get a group:girl_hug: hugIjust wish we would use the the open forum alot more.but now ifeel like I"m going to:faint: If we just don't do this right Can I GET SOME HELP...... MZZnet

I frequent a board and a lady on there WON $20,000 today on a race to a waist compition her in the Salt Lake Valley. She lost 90 pounds in 3 months!!!!!!!!!!!!!! here is what she said copy pasted Well thank you every one. I wish I could say that I ate right and worked out but it is only half true. I worked out every day but Sunday. The other thing I did do a colon cleanse (which I realize has been debated on this board) and juiced vegies. After I did the colonic I ate for Thanksgiving and gained 12 lbs. I realized then that I had rung the proverbial bell and couldn't unring it and went back to juicing. (I hope I didn't loose any one with that one...I just meant I co…

Hi August Bandsters... Since it is October I thought we could check-in and see how everyone is doing....weight loss, inches loss, all the NSV's, fills, etc...... I will get us started... First of all, I feel like a new person... that's the best thing since being banded. I have lost 38 pounds since my pre-op diet, 27.5 inches are GONE, my NSV's are so numerous I will just mention a few: taking walks with my daughter, swimming again, clothes to big, walking up the stairs without feeling like I am going to die, bending over without feeling like I am going to puke, getting out of a chair without making ugly, groaning noises.... My first fill was last Monday....it was a…

It seems like everyone on here has a goal between 150-175 lbs. Are you all giants or what?? To have a healthy BMI my goal has to be around 105-110 lbs. That seems very out of reach for me as it over 100 lbs. I would be happy at 125-130 but that would put me still in the overweight catagory-- barely but still overweight. I am short (4'11") but if my goal was 150 (seems more realistic-- I would be Obese! Does anyone get to goal?? And has anyone had a low goal like 105 lbs?? My surgeon asked what my goal weight would be -- I told him wherever I feel good at. I didnt have a number goal. I hope insurance doesnt require a certain goal that must be attained

Montel had Khaliah Ali on his show this morning. It was a very positive segment. She looked good and has lost over 1oo lbs in about a year. She said like us all that she had never felt better. Then they brought out Dr. George Feilding from NYU who did her surgery he said that things are changing and this has been in europe since 1990 and only FDA approved in the US since 2001. He said he believes that banding will replace the RNY as a favored procedure as pepole become more aware of it. He had a band in his pocket that he showed and explained how it could be adjusted.(a great benefit) You hear Khaliah Ali say it doesn't hurt when he talks about the fill. Really…

OK- I had my 2nd fill about 4 weeks ago. Aunt Flo is supposed to come visit within the next 1-3 days. Today for lunch, I ordered a chicken caesar salad from the deli in my building. Before banding, I could eat the whole thing no problem (of course!). After banding, I was able to eat 1/2 of it and take the rest home for later. Not today! I only ate about 1/4 if even that much, and I am totally stuffed! Now I think I see what the other ladies mean when they say you are tighter around that time of the month.

Hi everyone, I have been banded since Dec 13th and since the 2nd week I have really been struggling. I am always hungry, I am not supposed to snack between meals but my stomach is screaming to be fed.:hungry: For the most part I only snack on good stuff-yogurt, cottage cheese, cheese. I am trying not to eat past 7pm but I get so hungry around 9 that I will snack. I have lost 15lbs which is good but I had hoped for more. I know my whole situation is a common but I just feel that I shouldn't be so hungry or be able to eat as much as I am. I will get my 1st fill on Feb. 17th and my Dr. will not budge... I just had to complain a little, I knew to expect this but I had hoped …

The doctor's office told me I have to have an "upper GI" and an abdominal ultrasound as part of my evaluation. I watch tv, so I have a vague idea of what these things are, but I've never been in a hospital or had anything like this done to me so I wanted to know more. I found these two pages that do a good job of explaining both procedures - how to prepare, what you be asked to do, what will it feel like, etc. I don't know how I'm supposed to get through the ultrasound. I'm wicked ticklish. Upper GI http://www.radiologyinfo.org/content/upper_gi.htm Ultrasound http://www.radiologyinfo.org/content/ultrasound-abdomen.htm Anyone know of any other routine-type tests pe…