LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

We were sitting at the computer this morning, 4 days post-op for MsJoy (my DW), when I decided to show her the Bandster Rules that were posted here. I had her go to LBT.com and log in. Then go to one of the forums. We found the rules and we copied them to MS Word and printed them out. Since we were logged in, I had her hit "New Posts", up there in the top blue bar. All of the recent posts came up and she freaked out on me. She started crying and acted disoriented. I thought something was really wrong, like she was hurt or something. As she calmed down, she told me that she was having a hard enough time fighting her own battles without looking at the screen and seeing a…

When I am in a resturant, after I finish my meal, I sabotage my food. I pour salt, sugar or pepper all over the plate so I don't go back and nibble. Does anyone else do this? It does seem a bit strange but, hey, it works!

After Dr. Billy's lecture on caloric intake, Chris actually listened. He's got "great respect for the only man that knows how to shut his wife up." So out of respect for Billy, Chris (completely clueless when it comes to nutrition, calories, fat grams, sugar, etc.) has decided to see if he can stay within my required 1200 calories today. He asked me to put a chart up, and has been bugging me for calorie counts. If anyone knows how many calories a cup of spaghetti meat sauce contains, I'd really appreciate it. So he just came running to me because he forgot to tell me he drank a Sprite. He can't even figure out how to read the "Chinese" nutrition label, so I explai…

Happy New Year all of you. I wish that in december 2006 we all can see our before and after pictures. Happy new year from ARUBA.:rambo

I am fighting with myself wondering if I made the right WLS choice. I have been looking around alot of different websites and all I see is people that have had RNY surgery and have lost 100-150 pounds in 8-10 months! I am wondering if I made the right choice to have the LAP band done?? It seems as though RNY patients lose so fast with such little effort, and I just don't know if I can do it. I am having a very depressing evening. My fiance and I are fighting and I am feeling very down. Thankyou for listening to me everyone, you guys are the only ones I can talk to about this stuff.

Starting tomorrow I'm posting my food and exercise. After this holiday of eating like a stankin pig and feeling like crap I gotta be accountable. I've come to far to screw this up now. Please join in if you'd like. I'd love the company and support. Breakfast: Lunch: Snack: Dinner: Water: Exercise: No eating past 7 pm

Hi this is my first time posting, My surgery was Dec 8th 05 and my first fill is scheduled for the 16th. I have been going along just great. Yesterday was my first bad time with the band and I am not sure what is going on. I am thinking food is stuck. I was able to eat breakfast and now only liquids, I have thrown up 4 times now when I try to eat, I have pain in my left shoulder and where I think my stoma is, not all the time though. I have just started walking outside and was winded when I did. I am not sure if I got a peice of bacon stuck even though I thought I chewed it to death or possibly could I have swollen from walking:confused: . I am grabbing at straws just not…

They never post here any way! so I"thought id tell every one out in band land to have a great new year!!! Be safe,get a driver if your going to tip a few back! And most of all watch out for all the drunk's( drivier's).......also leave a phone number where you can be reached, if you have Kid's. HAVE FUN BE MARRY AND HOPE, THIS NEW YEAR'S YOU WILL REACH YOUR WEIGHT GOAL'S!!!!!!!! KEEP PUSHING FORWARD AND SOON YOU WILL BREAK THROUGH!!!!!!! MOST OF ALL GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY! JOHNQ

Well, I'm starting my fourth week post op (banded 12/6). I was so excited the first 10 days because I lost 23lbs only to gain back 12 lbs! I'm still eating mushies and incorporating some new food into my diet. I have two questions for all you sweet bandsters: 1. did you gain back any weight from the liquid phase that you lost? If so, how much? 2. any food ideas for week #4???? Thanks so much, and I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!!! Hugs, Cindy 301.5/291.5

Well folks we wrapped up another month of chat. Bye bye November. This week is flying by,.... of course it will, I gotta go back to work Moanday and I mean Moan !! Lets see in 1/2 hr DD will be up and I'll be taking her to school, then its shopping for something for DH. Something small. We are getting a pool in the spring and we really don't need to spend the extra cash for christmas. The pool is like a present to us. I went to the grocery store last night for some of that butternut squash Soup from campbells (selects), they freakin raised the price again. Its up to $3 a box. There's only 2 servings a box for crying out loud. What a rip !!! Thats $1.50 a cup.…

I know we have mostly found out by now that the road to Lap Band Success is paved with confusion, elation, depression, and unrealistic realities all around us. I have found a slight indifference to the facts that I now know.... 1.) The lap band is only a "TOOL" 2.) The lap band must be used in accordance to wise rules taught to us by our nutritionists and surgeons. 3.) The lap band comes with many possible pitfalls, dangers, and constant worry about "what if's". 4.) The lap band brings "HOPE" 5.) The lap band requires EXERCISE in order to work together with the weight loss to tone the body and skin. 6.) The lap band is slow - but it can be sure if we foll…

liquids - potato Soup Mushies - mashed potatoes Where do baked potatoes fit in here? I went out for dinner last night - again, nothing healthy for the bandster on the menu! I ordered a plain baked potato with butter on the side. Mushed it up about mashed tater consistency, then mmmm mmmm mmm the best thing I've had since surgery!!! Why aren't baked potatoes on the list? They have to be better for you than mashed (no mountain of butter and milk) or soup (all the fat cream used in soups!) Have I totally screwed up my diet? I have finally begun the downwards movement on the scale (almost 2 weeks at same weight, was down 2 pounds this morning!!!) I have a Protein Shake i…

Sorry to gross everyone out, but I need to ask about this. I vomit a lot...this can't be normal. It's mostly just that "slime" stuff, but sometimes food too. I'll admit that usually I bring it on by putting my finger down my throat because I'm in so much pain that I need relief. This happens at LEAST at one meal a day, if not two. Usually lunch and dinner. I know I'm eating too fast and/or too much, but I just can't seem to get this right. I've lost about 30 pounds now, my surgery date was 10/31/05. I'm happy with the weight loss, but I really don't like feeling this way all the time. Can anyone help???

Does anyone know where to get liquid protein drops? I heard them being discussed at the last support meeting with Mauri in Goshen, but I didnt really pay attention to it. I think I need all the additional protein I can get. I am not really counting grams or keeping tract in anyway but I feel like its not enough. Thanks all! Hey I wont be at the next support meeting....I will be in Florida seeing my dad with my son and Hubbie.....SOOO EXCITED.....So, anyway, these drops can be added to jello, pudding, coffee...anything...Any info on this, I would greatly appreciate it...Oh and I hadda NSV today...I guess thats what its called...cute check out guy at the store was flirtin …

Last night i started feeling ill, so i took it easy and went to lay down. I did but a few hours later I woke up with the chills. I took a hot bath and ended up feeling sick, I coughed a few times but nothing ever came up but then I felt better and went to sleep. Today I still have that sick feeling, could this have somethign to do with the band or do i just have a stomach bug?

Hi gang, I was great seeing all of you to (Melissa, Kerah,Angie, Kim, Kathy, Karen) today. We missed the others that weren't able to make it. Hopefully we'll see you next month. So we all agreed it is time to get chatty! Easy for me to do! I made Cookies this afternoon. I can't taste them because f my cold, but that didn't stop me from eating the cookie dough! OH my stomach hurts! What a fool I am. I have desided that today is the last day I am ever making cookies again as long as I LIVE!!! I've always liked the odugh better than the baked ones anyway, so what was I thinking! Had a little chicken parm at the party we went to and a bite of fudge. Now it'…

I was wondering if insurances pay for band removal due to things like erosion. I was wondering because I was self pay banded in Mexico, and my insurance pays nothing for obesity related anything. I mean God fobid something like this happened to me, does insurance have to pay??

We sure don't have much going on in Arkansas with bandsters do we? I am not a bandster yet but I am working towards that by the first week or two in Jan. I thought there would be more info comming out of Texarkana, that is where I attended my seminar. So sorry about Penni having to have her band removed because of erosion. Wonder what all causes that? I think I have the right Penni. I read the post but maybe it wasn't the same one on this thread? That is kinda disheartening and scary to someone who is trying to get up the nerve to do it. I am learning a lot on this site. Any more info would still be appreciated.

Good Evening! I am going to be banded on 12/28. My fiance and I have been discussing what kinds of things to buy for the next couple of weeks. Any suggestions? Do you drink only a shot glass size of Water? How did you learn to sip? These questions may sound odd but they are constantly going through my mind. Thank you in advance!

I was banded on 11/14/05 and I've lost 27 lbs since then! Yeah. I got my first fill today 2.2ccs just in time i wass getting so hungry i thought i was going to gain some weight back. Now for my question. I didnt eat much before my fill and didnt know I would need to be on liquids for a few days. I imediately went out and got a protien shake but, when I drank it I felt pretty full but in about a hour and a half I was starving again(dont you love how we dont hesitate to use that word even though I know I have never been actually starving) i made some broth with some baby food chicken and baby food green beans it was about 12 oz and it filled me again for about 2 hours. S…

My recuperation from the surgery itself is nearly done. I'm still dealing with (probably band-related) dysmotility issues. I'm taking Reglan for that, and hope I soon don't need it. I've lost 35-37 pounds in 30 days with the DS. It took me about six months or so to do this with the band. Not that there's a race, but... Sue

Are you planning to make one? If you are please make your's Achievable!!! If you been a heavy smoker for year's,chance's are your going to smoke again! Same thing on drinking,whatever, make your goal's small so you no you can make them and feel good about it and your self. Im not saying that some of us don't have good will power but I' feel on my face Christmas day eatting, I ate so healthy all year..........then Christmas fell on my face hard? six cookie's a few cream puff's 2 plate's of meat. Come on "I" knew I did not need this. I just ate it any way. Im up a pound or two. oh well! thats life.just have to eat a little lighter this week, My own ......RESOLUTION.…

Well I have finally decided to post my pic. It has been really hard for me to do this. I have a birth defect that is called sturgy weber's oslo rondeau disease. It is congenital and I have a facial hemangioma. To put it simply, one side of my face is bigger than the other. It really shows in my lips, my smile is wopsided. I saw a special last night on a woman with half a body and I thought wow she is amazing she takes it all in stride. Here I am worried about what I look like instesd of being thankful that I can walk, talk, see, hear etc. I have lost 40lbs so far and I love the way my life is changing. Well enough about all of that I just want to say that I have finally c…

Ok, maybe I missed a few hours on the site but I had nver heard before now of your band erosion and removal. I'm guessing it was someting that happened fast and you are probably going through a lot now! I just wanted to start a thread so you will know everyone is thinking of you and wish you the best of recovery! You are such a crack up on this site I look forward to all of your posts! I hope you stick with us for a while and ween us off you slowly. I hope Dr. Billy wasn't as harsh as it sounds especially coming out of his pretty mouth. I know you have other options and I hope wish you the best of luck on anything you decide and hope you stick around for us!! Hope…

Hey guys, I'm new here, but have been reading the boards for awhile now. I was banded on Dec. 27th (3 days ago!) and I'm curious, how long does it take for the incisions to start to heal. It's so hard for me to get up and down off the couch, etc... I'm guessing it's my muscles healing. Thanks for your help!

I believe my Erosion was a end result of my port complications that started 2 months post band placement. I had my band placed in April, by June my port area was reddened, hot, inflammed, itching, tender to touch. The Mexico surgeon that placed my band finally took a phone call from me after 3 weeks of trying to get in touch with him. He claimed that I was rejecting the band. WRONG!! I didn't know it at the time but a raging infection was brewing. We set up a time for me to go see him. About a week before I am to go see him I get this protruding thingy in the port area. IT was not through my skin but almost. I knew it was the tubing. You could feel the tubin…

I noticed in the poll on whether or not people would do the band again many said not to do it in Mexico. Was this becuse of personal experience? I am about positive I am going to do it in Mexico. Thanks.

The thing I thought would never happen again happened. A guy hit on me in the grocery store! He was even good looking. It's been so long since that's happened I didn't know what to do. I just stood there and laughed and made a total ass out of myself. I was so freaking excited I just had to tell y'all. Maybe tomorrow I'll meet someone who's not 8 years younger than I am LOL!

Just like to thank you all for your words of wisdom and support, I live in the UK but find if I have any problems you guys are allways there to help. Have a very healthy and happy New year Gaynor

Of course today my redness at my port scar is gone.because my appointment to see the doctor is today. well i made myself sound like a hysterical woman this week when i called my doctor with what i thought was a port infection. i had redness and swelling just above my port at the port site scar. i had bruised my portsite about 3 weeks ago on exercise equipment and the this all started a week later. i was looking quite infected (no open wound) for 2 weeks straight an the the day i see him nothing. im glad it looks ok but if there is something really wrong he wasn't going to admit it to me. i got antibotics that cost $76.00 for 7 pills. and i go back in 2 weeks. then he r…

Hey Everyone! Just wanted to wish everyone a safe and heathy holiday! I know in 2006 i wil be successful with my weight loss goals and i wish everyone a great year for weight loss, Hell i wish everyone a great year PERIOD! lol..Ok i am off to shopping @ Walmart (i get to babysit my neices tonight) (8 and 4) JOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Kristen

Hi lap-band people...I have been on here before. It has been awhile though. I'm feeling as thought this weight thing has beat me though. Doctors insist that its as easy as a diet 1-2-3 and thats it. I have been big my whole life. I love food, but who doesn't LOL. I am very confident in myself, I know I am beautiful. But i am not confident in my ability to lose weight on my own. I am at my biggest. 270 pounds..on a 5'4 frame. I have always been big though and I know that a simple diet will not work for me. I like the prospects of trying the lap-band surgery. But my doctor will not even think of it. She says that I am too young and basically says that its taking the lazy wa…

I was just given my first fill this past Monday, one day short of 5 weeks after my surgery. I asked him, "How much are you going to give me?" "You will tell ME," he replied. My mouth fell open. Whatever could he mean? I have spent months reading the boards and lists, with people posting, My doctor gave me "___cc's" ..... often followed with complaints that they didn't feel ANY sense of restriction, that they were still starving, and, in the worst of cases, that their doctor didn't want to see them again til at least another 6 weeks. And some of these fill appointments were EXPENSIVE and involved long drives and taking time off of work. So here is how …

"MY focus is on being FIT, not skinny..."Im holding my own on my weight loss 115/113 pounds. my plan is just to tone up! Im pretty fit at 196 pounds for a six foot tall man, large frame. 12 pound over weight by standards set by the Insurence company.as soon as I' can im going to do some therpy for my back then plan to really focus ON LITE WEIGHT" with Cardieo...and tone up my stomach and alittle more weight loss.hehe. I hope this year that you will all meet your weight loss goal's keep pushing forward and soon you will break through! This last year of weight loss has changed and saved my life,this weight loss ride has been a great one,Praise God! No matter how you…

What things are must haves pre & post LB operation? This is the only one I've heard specifically & often mentioned - 1. Gas X After getting everyone's input, this might make a good "sticky" post?

ok here goes, this is a recipe I just came up with one day because I was craving mexican food but didn't need all those carbs.....hope you enjoy Mexican Meatballs grocery list: 2lbs lean hamburger one med. onion finely chopped one small can of green chilies drained one package taco seasoning 1 can of enchilada sauce 1 can of tomato sauce 1 cup of shredded chedder or monteray jack cheese In one bowl mix hamburger, onion,green chilies, and taco seasoning. Form hamburger mixture into medium sized balls and place into your crockpot. Then pour the enchilada sauce and tomato sauce over the meatballs. Cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 8 hours. Adjust cook…

Hey... it feels like my port is sideways. Has this happened to anyone and did it interfere with your fills?

I had my first fill on 12/15/06 - 2cc. At the end of my appointment, my doc said - "don't forget, 2 days liquids, then 2 days soft foods..." What?! I didn't know that I would have to go back to liquids & soft foods after every fill :mad: . Is this the routine protocol for everyone or is it just my doc's policy? I'd like to hear from some of you out there... (PS: Happy New Year!)

I have had a hard time ever since I got my fill a few weeks ago. It was tiny, but I had restriction originally. I just thought I needed more restriction b/c I was not sure I should have been able to eat as much as I was. Now though, I have a hard time with anything that is not blended or liquid. I am back on protein shakes, and watching my nutrition, so my question is -- is it bad to be over filled? Can it lead to erosion quicker, or esophagus problems? I just don't want to abuse the band or my digestive system anymore! Shoud I get unfilled?

Please pray for my daughter she is very ill. We spent all day at the hospital.She is throwing up (20 times)and passing out.First I gave her liquid medicine that I had It did not work then a suppository. It did not work and a trip to the doctor for a shot. It did not work. Up to the hospital for a IV.So far so good.They said it was really bad virus. Lysol the house and Pray that I do not get it. I worried I will mess up my band. Im still in my first month.I am wearing a face mask to.

I was reading that thread about how someone slipped a day after SX b/c they ate steak and it reminded me of this AWFUL story I heard. My mom's friend's friend had a RNY and the NIGHT after her surgery she ordered pizza to her hospital room, ate a bunch of it, it made a staple pop out, and the staple went thru her blood and into her heart and she died. I know that's a really awful story - but it's a good reminder for the newbies that you MUST give your body a chance to heal after surgery. You will be able to eat again, but stick to liquids and mushies like your doc says until you heal.

I have been asked about my scar. What is that from? I don't like telling people about my surgery until I am ready for them to know, so what can I say when someone (especially opposite sex) wants to know about my scar? Any suggestions?

Hola all, I was banded Oct 3 05 and I went to see my MD on Dec. 20th I did not lose a pound. I thought I had but my scale and the doc's scale did not match. So... I did not get a christmas present from My husband my Dad and my sister. I got a present for everyone:phanvan . I was really sad. I cried alot. My husband said he did not forget he just ran out of time WHATEVER... My Dad was waiting for a big check and my sister just said she did not get anyone anything. I have not binged but I have been grazing and eating things I shouldn't. It never fails I am at about 3 mths and this is when all my weight loss attempts shift. It has to be different this time. for MEEEE... I …

I am wondering if being over filled could lead to quicker erosion??? I got a tiny fill a few weeks ago and since then have had a very hard time with anything that is not liquid. I am wondering if keeping this level of restriction is harmful at all. I am going to start again with the protein shakes to make sure I am getting enough protein, but if I can deal with liquids only, is it bad to maybe be over filled? I figure it will loosen as I loose weight so it's semi temporary right?

Has anyone ever gotten the flu/throw-ups after being banded? How does the band affect it? How does throwing up affect the band? (Oddly enough, doing a search on the word 'flu' returned 0 results). Thanks

My friend just came to visit. She asked to see my erosion pics cause she wanted to compare them to her Dad's recent horror story. He's a typical skinny guy who eats too fast. He was woofing down an apple that got stuck low in his esophagus. He freaked out and guzzled Water to push it through, but later almost bled to death. The ER surgeon, who had to repair his torn esophagus, said he would have been dead in one more hour if he didn't come in since he was literally bleeding to death. Now I have one more thing to nag at my husband for. He's 2 chews and a gulp, so either he slows down or I start blending his pizza. The stomach can be a very scary place.

hey I have opened up the chat room come and join me!

Just wanted to thank all of you who post on this site. I just had my first fill and am in heaven. Finally I realize what the band can do. All of you have kept me "up" by posting and now I hope to do the same for anyone who has not yet had a fill. This thing really works!

Today has been 1 motnh since I had my band removed and Iam happy to report I have NOT gained any weight back. I made it through Christmas and all the goodies, booze, & food with no gain. I'm using my head and still working it like a true bandster would. Just thought I'd share this good news with all of you

I was wondering, I read where some people have their ports in different places. Did anyone tell their DR. where they wanted it or is this totally up to the surgeon? Where is your port placed and does it interfere with certain movements? Mine is 3 fingers below my right ribcage. sometimes when I bend over like tieing my shoes it hurts because I bunch it up under my ribs. Is this common?