LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

well I saw my mexico Dr. a week ago and he said I did not have an infected port but prescribed antibiotics.(huh) I did not believe him because of the post I have read here on this website. So i drove for 3 hours to see Dr Billy of Ventura ( no San Diego Drs. will see mexico patients). He looked at my stomach and sent me to emergency right away. Dr Billy used a camera to see inside my stomach and found that a suture with a knot had pulled threw the lining of my stomach and pulled gastric fluid into my abdomen. at the portsite there was a softball size void filled with gastric fluids(smelly stuff). So my port is gone along with my fill ,but I have my band. Dr Billy wants me…

Yeah...I've been doing it. I made myself sick last night because I ate too fast, too much, and something that wasn't "technically" mushie. The thing is, I'm not a puker or a slimer or a productive burper so I end up just feeling incredibly uncomfortable. I keep thinking that, if I could just have a little diet cola, I'd feel so much better. Anyway... I guess I'm just looking for some words of encouragement (or a slap on the wrist?) from my peers. Oh...and a question. Does everyone weigh themselves? I've been waiting to go to the doctor's office because I don't want to get obsessive about it but I guess I need to know if I'm actually losing the whole 1-2 lbs a week. T…

:) Waiting over the weekend to hear my last results so can get my surgery date and doctors office calls and tells me they lost the results so now i have to do it over again because the machine would not spit out the results bummer!!!! Still waiting. MZZnet.

I just spent 15 minutes looking up the calories in 1/2 cup cubed boiled chicken (pulled out of hubby's chicken Soup.) Fitday.com has every kind of chicken in the world except plain ol' chicken. Can anyone tell me the calories in chicken? Feel free to add calories for all common foods to help those of us who are going back to the 1980s and actually counting the things. Thanks!

My band was very sensitive to heat last summer. I am going to Cancun to climb the ruins in the western Yucatan. My surgeon thinks I should have some of my fill taken out - my arguement is that I can go to Cancun and get it out if needed. Has anyone used the facility in Cancun? Are the drs there full time or only on a scheduled surgery basis? Any help would be appreciated.

Hi! This is my first time to post I hope a do it correctly. I am awaiting surgery on January 19. I have gone through with my insurance approval, the only thing left is I must see my cardiologist. I have been lurking in the wings watching the forums. I appreciate the honesty and openness and the advice from everyone. I have several other problems including diabetes, heart problems, sleep apnea, and arthrites, I am hoping this surgery helps with all of them. Has anyone had any improvements with diabetes?:confused: Georgia Peach 189/120

my dh and i got our approvals last thursday. im waiting now for scheduling to call with a surgery date. i have a question for you all. since both of us are getting banded, do you think it would be beneficial to wait a month between bandings or would it be ok to have them done together, or maybe a week apart? originally the docs office said surgeries would be one month a part but i think they were also taking into consideration that we may be having gb and not lb. i would really like to be done together, but having not gone thru this i dont know what to expect as far as being able to help each other afterwards. we do have grown kids that are here to help us. so what …

Hi Im «۵˘βŁŬ€˘۵» and I am just about to have a lap band fitted. I live in Birmingham England and Im travelling to Belgium for my operation which is to be performed on the 9th January 2006. Speak soon «۵˘βŁŬ€˘۵»

I just wanted to share because I am happy to the point of tears. My mother is an obese woman as well. I believe she is around 280#. She was a cat on the ceiling when she heard I was going to have surgery for weight loss, and yesterday she told me that after all of her checking into it and all of my excitement and happiness, she is going to have the lap band "installed" herself!! I am so excited!! She lives in Washington State so anyone that has a good name of a surgeon please let me know. It will be hard to not work on this together as well as we could have because of the nation seperating us (I'm in florida) but that is why God invented the Internet!! OMG. I am …

Obesity is a disease, an incidious addiction, that can enslave you physically and psychologically. It is not about losing x amount of kilos and then everything will be right with the world. You have to fight the disordered thoughts about food and eating for the rest of your life if you have a predisposition to this particular addiction. I lurk on this board often, but never post. I am going to have the procedure when I can overcome my fear of it. I am scared that I will get an infection that will kill me. I have to have the surgery as I have a disease in my nervous system that will make mobility hard as time goes on. I admire you all so much. Keep up the fight. Susann…

I had my band put in in MX on Decemeber 31, 2004. On January 15, 2005 I was in the hospital having it put in the correct position. Evidently it was placed too low causing me great pain and a terribile bowel obstruction. About 3 months ago I was at dinner with my family and the sweats, sickness and spitting started. I sat outside the restaurant for an hour spitting and feeling sick but could not throw up. Soon after this I thought I was having aa heart attack. The Pain in my chest was horrible. I went to the emergency room and was given a seditive and my doctor came and took my fill out. I have not been back for a fill. I don't ever want to experience that "episod…

Can someone tell me what is suggested as a number of calories, and also how many grams of fat to have each day? I have stopped losing and I think it is because I am not getting in enough fat and calories per day for my body to burn the fat. Thanks for your input! Deby

Hi everyone, I had a severe increase in restriction starting last Wednesday. The acid reflux was horrible and I couldn't sleep for 2 nights. I couldn't get anything down but Water. I was really worried about slippage, only secondary to my fear that I would freak out go postal on my family (I don't deal well with sleep deprivation). Anyways, I went in on Friday to see my doctor. They tried to do a complete unfill, but only .5 cc came out of the band. So, it's either lost in the ether or still in there. They had to poke me 8 times to get the fill out. Did I mention I was sleep deprived? Grrr.... Fortunately, they were able to get me in right away for a bariu…

Just a reminder - even if you haven't been checking in weekly, don't forget to post your results for the End of 2005 Weight Loss Challenge. I'll post a new thread with everybody's results on 1/4. Send me a PM if you don't want your name included. It will be fun to see how much we've lost as a group over the holidays!

Check this out: http://thinforlife.med.nyu.edu/media/stories/khaliah_ali.html Muhamad Ali's daughter had lap band! SHe is a physically active woman, who like me, just could not control her portions.

Hi, I am still awaiting a surgery date and was just thinking about my doctor's guidelines today; Full liquids for FOUR weeks and mushy food for another two after that. I am having trouble imagining staying on a liquid diet for a MONTH. I know most probably agree we should follow our physician's guidelines, but that being said, how many here had the same guidelines and started mushies early? If so, how early? I just can't imagine adhering to a month on liquids. I can barely imagine it for a week let alone four! How bad is to take matters into my own hands and start on mushies at week two? Thanks!

I have had my band almost 6 months and I have been doing great until last friday. I had some bean soup at my mom's house and it came back up, then I did 24 hours on soft foods/ liquids. Last night I had some roasted chicken (very moist, never a problem before) and that came back up too. Everytime I eat I have a very sharp pain around my port. It is weird, I have never had this pain before. I am calling my band doctor first thing in the morning and see what he has to say but I wanted to see if anyone here knows what this might be? I had an adjustment in december and it was too tight so I had some removed on the 23rd of december, I still have a bruise from the adjustment bu…

I don't post often but lurk almost daily. I am almost 2 years out, lost 50 lbs the first year and 30 so far this year. I have always been a slow looser and I have to work hard at it. There have been 2 times when I stalled for 2 months or so. (total bummer, but I did not let it get to me, I kept going) Anyway recently I was laid off from my job.....last time I was not working was in 1983 or so, so this is completely forien to me. (and scary) But I have learned that anytime you make a major change in your life it is easier to change other things, I guess because it is in the air. So I did not have to eat Breakfast before I went to work cause I did not have to go t…

Okay when it comes to pain Im a big chicken!!How much pain in involed right after surgery?How about in the healing process???

I am wearing my size 18 jeans!!!! My 20's were tight before the band. And I have on a shirt I haven't been able to wear in 2 years! I'm so excited I can't stand it!!!!!!!!

In the instance that you feel no restriction.

Went to church this morning and the minister prayed for me in church for the upcoming procedure : - ) I love that word better then "surgery". I am very testy today to everyone. All I can think about is leaving on Tuesday for Mexico. I am not actually afraid of that. It is the "unknown". The ones in my family that I have chosen to tell are trying to make me feel better by saying that I am going to be fine... I know they are tyring to make me feel better, but it isn't the procedure they don't understand. I am changing something for the rest of my life ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Can I do this? Yes. I heard that fear and faith can't live in the same house... well, I…

What is the difference is Lapband and Lapbend??

How can I tell which incision is where the fill will be ? I have 5 incisions 4 really small ones and one about 4 in long Any help will be greatly appreicated. I was banded 12/13/05 and am down 25 lbs I will have my first fill on 01/26. Thanks, Tammy

I'm scheduled for surgery on 1/9, and I'm trying to get a handle on what kinds of complications people have been seeing. I know for the most part everyone is happy with their results even if they've had complications; I'm just wondering what minor and major issues are potentially on the horizon -- and if, in the long run, virtually everyone has some issues. Those of you who have had the band for years, please post too! Thanks much :eek:

I found this article on another one of my Lap Band boards and I thought it was a very good article and so I thought I would post it for our Members to read. Angeles Times COLUMN ONE On a scale of Life or Death He weighed 578 pounds; his sister, 579. They chose to take decisive action, despite the cost and sacrifices, but would it be too late? By Valerie Reitman Times Staff Writer January 4, 2006 It started with a terrible dream: Cyrus Tehrani had died. At the funeral, his wife and six children wept over his outsized coffin. That nightmare jolted Joe Guarderas awake. He knew that if his best friend Cyrus, 34, didn't take drastic action, the dream would become …

I think it is still hard to lose weight with the band I am six months out and just getting a mind set that I have to eat the right food and basically still quote unquote be on a diet anyone who thinks this is easy I think it is not its still alot of work just vending

Hello all. My nutritionist still wants me on Protein drinks even though I am one year post-op. I don't like milk shakes, so I drink (Company: Nature's Best) Isopure Zero Carb Ready-to-drink bottles. It has 40 grams of protein, no carbs, 160 calories. The problem is that these bottles are expensive. GNC sells them for almost $3.50/bottle. They are also heavy and usually the store only has a dozen or so bottles, and limited flavors. Since I am drinking one per day, I asked GNC if they can order me a few cases and if they would give me a discount... they give the 10% off if you get their membership... what a ripoff! So, I called Nature's Best (1-800-345-BEST) and a…

bypass results the same after 5 years. Yes we lose slower but after 5 years the results are the same as a bypass patient. The article continued to say how surgeons are now realizing that the band is the way to go and some are only doing bypass on high risk patients (ie - heart problems, etc..) Anyway just thought it was interesting

Hello, I am new to this site. I had my surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. Dr. Shaurer was scheduling visits every two months; but my last fill is perfect for now. My next appointment is in February and I don't think I need to go. Do you guys make your own appointment when you think you should go in or does the doctor want to see you at a certain time? My last fill is definately tighter. There are times I find that my food will get stuck or I'll throw up. I don't think it's because my band is too tight; I think it's because I forget I have the band. I just start eating without thinking about chewing the food well enough. I do notice that I can eat better af…

So , do you have to have fills for the rest of your life, or at some point do find the perfect fill and stay there?

Okay, I know that we all have generally not succeeded in the old "diet" arena, however, now that I have my new best friend I think I would like to look at some good eating plans. I think the old addage, "if you fail to plan then your plan with fail" really means something. I'd like to have a plan to work with. Any suggestions on diets/plans that you guys either like or don't mind? Weight watchers??? e-diets? books? No way in heck I'm doin' South Beach. Too much work.

Many of you have followed my saga trying to get this surg approved and my appeals-- THank you for your support! I was denied by Anthem for my second appeal. I am insured through my dh and they have always covered the surg until Nov 1 the same day my paperwork was submitted they excluded anyway ON TO THE GOOD NEWS!!!! I found out my work is covering it for 1000-1500 dollars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I dont have the insurance at my work though, I am PT but they said if I go FT I can pick up the insurance then I would be covered. I have been thinking of going FT b/c we need the money right now, but I would probably want to drop down to PT again next yea…

ok, i posted a few days ago that i finally feel restriction. i ate a little chicken and it is stuck and it is hurting like heck. it won't go dow or come back up. Do i just wait? Is there a way to help it go down? thanks for any advice!

Hi Everyone- Has anyone else had to do a liquid test diet? I start a 7 day trial liquid diet before I even am scheduled for surgury. My surgeon wants to make sure that all of his patients are able to do the 7 day liquid diet that he requires before he schedules you for surgery. So, in reality I'll be doing it TWICE- this is just the trial run. I am all set and as ready as I will ever be but am very nervous and anxious. Any tips or suggestions? I know that one big motivator is that I have an appt on 3:30pm a week from tomorrow and should be down a few pounds from my last appt on October 29th of last year. Thanks for any help/suggestions......

Hi, I am new to this site. I've been reading your posts for about a week now. Excellent information! I am scheduled for surgery on Feb 13th with Dr. Steward in Topeka. What exactly does it mean to eat around the band? Thanks for the info! Holly

Hello everyone, I plan on having my surgery about 3 to 4 months from now. Im starting to eat better now and take vitamins. Can anyone recommend what I should be taking? Im 40 so I guess a Caltrate 500+D would be good to start with. Im confused about what vitamin, there are so many and they have all different things in them The One A Day Womens has Calcium so maybe thats not good to start with, do I need Iron? Is just a regular multi vitamin ok? Its so confusing? If anyone can give me advice on what would be good for me and also what I can continue after my surgery. Thanks all of you, This board has been so helpfull!

Hi I am new to this i am looking to have the lap band done.I would like to hear from u all about the pro and cons .whould u do it again? let me know thanks for ur time :Bunny lisa

I just wanted to say thank you for the support you have given us bandsters that have had and are having complications. Thank you also for the insight and truthfulness that you give this board. I don't care what anyone says I respect people who tell it like it is and are willing to share their personal feelings and experiences. Maybe you helped save someone who was too afraid to ask the ?'s that needed to be asked! So, You Rock!!! Much love coming your way from TN!!!! Christy Dawn Light

I'm brand new, only been banded since December 23 and had my first slime episode. I was looking forward to my first day of mushies and cooked some scrambled eggs and toast, but it came right back up....I have been a model patient, thought I was doing everything right, no problems and now this. I hope I haven't done any damage. I think I ate too fast and have definitely learned THAT lesson. Any suggestions? Kim

Has being overweight made you stronger? Are you emotionally a stronger person or more weak? Do you tend to stand up for yourself or let others push you around? Do you use your weight as a protective shield(to make you appear bigger)? As for me I think being overweight/MO all my life has made me stronger. Not only in the muscle department, but emotionally. Yes I cry when someone says something rude, but I know I am better than they will ever think to be. I tend to stand up for myself and everyone around me. In grade/middle/high school, I always walked away and turned the other cheek. I hated confrontation and fighting. I grew a back bone when I dated my ex boyfriend for…

there were a few posts on there about LB. Very negative posts. Most of them were saying 25% of LB get it removed and get the GB, with LB you never feel full you are always hungry, just cant eat or you wont lose. You lose the weight very slow and it is hard to keep it off. Most people have to have it removed due to complications. What do you all think of that? I mean I do realize the weight loss is slower but I have read it equals out after a few years. I personally know 3 gb women that have gained most of the weight back. So I think it just depends on the person. They were also saying that with lb you dont have the 18 month grace period to relearn eating??? …

Since I'm fairly new to this, please be patient. :alien In all of the research I've done regarding lap banding and my 2 hour consult with my surgeon and a personal experience because my sister got one last year, there is still something I do not understand: If the band does not move, then the size of the stomach stays the same, right? If the stomach size is the is the same, why do we need fills? Does the band deflate or something and cause the stomach to get bigger (the small part)? How can one eat more after awhile if the size of the banded portion of the stomach does not change?? I hope this makes sense! Thanks! Kelli

Ok...what's the deal with how long to wait after eating to drink water??? My doc says to wait 1 1/2 hours. Another doc says to wait 1/2 hour. I really like the sound of waiting only 1/2 an hour cause I'm a thirsty girl. How long do y'all wait?

Check out those new avatars !!!! You guys are HOT !!!!! Thanks for updating so we can ALL appreciate how well you both have done. Absolutely gorgeous girls !!!

Hi all, It's probably no big deal but I just thought I'd ask. Has anyone else experienced swelling & tenderness around the port? I am one week post-op. The tenderness feels something like VERY sore muscles. I guess this is normal but I've heard sooo much about port site infections that I'm a little worried. Thanks for any input!!

I have a question - Has anyone found that there's a formula to reducing the amount of sag during weight loss? Water? Exercise? Is age a factor that we can't get around? Have some of you done all you can but still wound up with sag? Have some of you beat the odds and found tips you can share that proved successful in bringing that loose skin back into reasonable shape? I want to know before this journey begins so I can hopefully save money and having to go under the knife again.

Hi I am in the begining stages of researching lap banding. I have an appointment to talk to the surgeon on Jan. 11. I was curious if there were any foods or types of foods that you can not eat. I know there are things you should not eat but are there any foods that will make you sick if you eat them. I know there are foods like that if you have the gastric bypass. My sister had that surgery and it just doesn't seem like a good choice for me. If I wanted to have ice cream and cake for my son's birthday would I be able to have a small amount? I am sorry if this question seems odd, I am curious. There is so much to learn!! Thanks, Michelle

I was always wondering how much weight our Aussie and other posters were referring to in their post when they spoke of stones and kg's. I found this info online. This is a link to an area that will convert the information for us! weight conversion - kilograms, pounds, grams, ounzes @ metric conversions . org Anyway, a stone is around 14 pounds.

Hello all! I have not particpated/viewed/responded/played well with others... in a couple of months and I need to get back in the swing of things. Its amazing how much support you all give, but to be honest, alot of what I was reading made me very nervous so I chose to ignore it! I have been doing very well with my band. I have a total of 8 cc's now and have slowly and steadily been losing. There has not been a week that I have not lost something. My clothes are changing too! I have gone from a size 24 to a comfy 18. My only problem is swelling over my port area. My doc isnt too concerned, so I guess I shouldn't be either??? I have been working out and we think …