LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

<p>I went and had my teeth cleaned today. The dentist made me take 2,000mg of Amoxicillin as a precaution before they would start cleaning my teeth because I am banded. Anyone else hear of this?</p>

I swear I know them,,,,,just remind me and everyone else....... No liquid 30-hour(oops, 30min) before meal small bites, chew chew chew protien first, veggies, starch NO liquids for hour post meal Please add anything that has helped your sucess........

Happy Birthday Lady Cheri :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana

I don't know, I guess i'm just frustrated at everything right now. I paid cash for the procedure and had it done the end of Nov. I lost 12 pounds and that was it. So I told myself, well you don't have a fill yet, you're supposed to be healing...just wait till you get your first fill. Well time passed, more than a month and I got my first fill. Okay I thought this was it...nope nothing i don't even know what restriction is. Now today I found out that I have to wait yet another month for another fill. It is SO frustrating! What if the second one doesn't work...then another month. And thus concludes my venting.

When am I going to win this battle with my colon? I haven't had a BM since before surgery and basically it's just sitting in my colon and my mind is wrestling with my colon to make it come out and my mind is losing. How much more of this day do I have to sit on the toilet playing tug of war!!!! I was supposed to go back to work today and now I don't see that happening. Can I take liquid fiber?

Well, Christmas dinner is officially OVER and tomorrow I start my 2-week pre-op liquid diet. I managed to get rid of a lot of leftovers, keeping just enough to feed my kids for a while, but tomorrow I'm going to hit the ground running! My dh and my parents are going to liquid diet in solidarity with me for the next 2 weeks (I have an incredible support network). I've been reading about all of you who've had insurance problems and I just feel so bad for you. I never realized there were so many problems with insurance -- I always assumed I would get approved the first time around, and I did. I have Health Net and am in California. I am so excited I can barely stand…

Diagnosis: Erosion with bonus stomach inflammation and esophogeal erosions. Symptoms: Yes, it just feels different, squishy, gurgly, odd, off. I sure hope the truth doesn't scare Johnny.

Or did you ever get restriction?

has anyone heard from her? has she gotten approved?

Since Dec 1st I have been eating soup, potatoes , oatmeal and chicken salad and sugar free puddings(diabetic) I am sick of it Any suggestions. If I cant come up with something diffrent I fear I may cheat.Im not hungry just tired of the same old things. Christmas is coming and I do not know what I will eat.HELP

Well, I started my liquid diet yesterday and was doing fine . . . until I developed a fever, chills, and a bronchial cough. I can't believe I've been illness-free for at least THREE MONTHS and I get this yesterday! So I went in for my pre-op appt. today and they said they will not do the surgery unless I'm illness-free for two weeks. The biggest problem is that the doctor only performs the surgery at the hospital that's in my insurance network once a month, and February is all full So currently I'm rescheduled to March 6th I'm researching how much more out-of-pocket it will be for me to do the surgery at the other hospital, out of network. Since my insurance only…

Recommendations?

I know that there is a lot of talk about erosions lately and most (if not all) were those who had no choice but Mexico. Anyone have problems with erosion and were banded in the US. I am just curious.

:sick And I was so careful........ I put a small slice of ham and a small slice of roast beef on my plate. I ignored the Bourbon Toasted Pecan Smashed Sweet Potatoes THAT I MADE, and the rolls, and the butter drenched green beans. I didn't touch the cookies, truffles, candy coated nuts, etc. that I had put out for the family beforehand. I was so proud of myself. BUT.......my mother had to go and make Yorkshire pudding, which she hadn't done in years (for those of you who have not had this, it is a doughy biscuit made with a spoonful of the roast beef drippings in the batter, and I just can't describe how good it is), and I had to have some. Yeah, HI HEATHER, YOU M…

I have had pain where my band is and am having heartburn everyday. Sometimes there's a strange feeling in my port. My restriction has been absent for months. I don't get to see my band dr. until 1/12. In the meantime, my regular dr. can give me something for the heartburn. Reading over the threads it seems like the symptoms match erosion:paranoid :cry If you have eroded or slipped, what, if any, were your symtoms?

I've been really bad for about a month. Cookies, Cakes, Candy and I never eat sweets. I have gained about 10lbs. I am looking for a fresh start to following the rules. My wife never gained a pound through the holidays even lost a couple(I'm Happy for Her) She is at a new low of 179lbs down from 314lbs. But I really need a fresh start. I have always watched carbs, but it is so hard with the band. Most meat just don't go down. Please give me some advice On getting a fresh start.

Ok, my dh told me in no uncertain terms that since I was banded(12/13) my breath has been terrible-Gee thanks! I brush 3x a day, floss, rinse, but it just isn't helping. Has anyone had this problem and how do I get rid of it?

I love to have a nice COLD (ultra-lite) bottle of beer after hot summer yard work. Flat beer sounds really bad. Is it going to be too-bad-so-sad for me. And just get over it! Patti

I booked my surgery with Dr. Kuri (Mexico) last week and today I made the flight arrangements. I hope I don't regret this. The postings on erosion and infection have me scared to death. The postings that say "It was a breeze" and people posting good steady wgt loss - with decreased appetite - makeing it possible for them to eat like a "normal" person - those are the postings that I find myself clinging to. I pray that I'm one of them. Otherwise I'm about to screw-up a perfectly healthy (albiet fat) body.

Merry Christmas Everyone MangerScene.bmp

Dr. Rex Luttrell in Little Rock does fills & the surgery. $15,000 for surgery. Fills are free for first year unless fluoroscopy is used ($100-$200).

Happy Birthday SuperDaddy!!! :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana

I was just curious of anyone is on Zoloft here for depression/anxiety. I was taking only taking Lexapro, but it seemed to stop working so we are weaning off the Lexapro (next week) once I get to a high enough dosage of Zoloft in my system to be effective. Anyone else on Zoloft? Any drawbacks?

Hello Everyone- I just recently had the lap band on 12-22-5 and was releashed from the hospital on 12-24-05 (I know it stinks...right before christmas lol). I'm doing really well except I feel bloated all the time and kinda like a heart burn, is this normal? I'm new to this and dont really know anyone whos had this procedure, so I'm looking for a little guidence here. Is this because of the gas they used during the surgery and if so how long should it last? What things can I expect and when should I start expecting signs of weight loss? I'm not having really any problems with hungery until everyone around me starts to eat, then I just whip out a shake or some Soup and m…

:ermm I will celebrate one year of being banded the 3rd of January. I have always had some port discomfort off and on, but it seems worse these days. I was a bmi of 30 and have lost 33 lbs. There is not much fat around my mid section, it is on my abdomen. I called Dr. Sancez (my doc) last week and he said that sometimes people that lose a lot of weight will feel their port and so they put it deeper in the muscle. A doc here told me that they don't like to put ports into muscle, deeper because of clots. I don't know what to do. My port is very prominant and I can even feel the tubing. I think it presses on my diaphram because I get referred shoulder pain time …

By request (here you go Alexra!) 3 large cans sweet potatoes in light syrup 1/2 cup butter 1 cup pecans, chopped 1/4 cup brown sugar 3 oz. bourbon (I use Maker's Mark) 3 oz. orange juice 1/2 tsp allspice 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp nutmeg 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper Place sweet potatoes in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes, then remove from heat, place in a colander and drain. Melt butter in saucepan, then place pecans in the butter and toast for 2 minutes on medium heat. Add brown sugar and bourbon, and stir for a minute, then add orange juice. Cook for an additional minute or two to reduce. Add potatoes to sauce and smash with a potato ma…

Two weeks ago I had a post regarding problems that my fiance' and I were having regarding weight issues etc. First, I'd like to thank everyone for their support and opinions. Secondly, I'd like to let you know that after that night we had a long talk and it seems that his insecurities are coming from other issues we are facing, not specifically weight related. We are seeking counseling with our Pastor before our wedding, and fiance' has even agreed to follow the stages of the post-op diet with me. It's amazing what a little support and unconditional love can do--(not to mention being open and honest which sometimes facing my demons can be difficult too) Just an updat…

How many Mexico bandsters have returned there for fills and how many have them done in US? What was your experience? I am trying to decide the best way to go for my 1st fill. My daughter-in-law just had a fill from hell in Nashville!

For the last two days I have been experiencing pain when I move a certian way. It all started Yesterday morning as I bent over to pick up a sock. I felt a sharp pain directly beside my port area. The pain happens when I move a certian way and it has gotten more severe today. I can feel a slight stinging most of the time but that pain is not bad. I have no redness in the area and my incisions have mostly healed My sense is that this is the tube is rubbing against my stomach wall causing some irritation and when I move a certain way it jabs into the sensitive spot. If anyone has had a similar experience could you please let me know if I should be concerned and go to the…

I pray that all of you have a blessed Christmas! Even if some of us can't have Christmas dinner.

Hey All, Myself and 6 women from Obesity help put together a survey on Gastric Banding. Please consider taking the survey and sharing you expriences especially for all the Newbies out there looking into banding! :banana Thanks! http://www.jointhebandwagon.com/bb Siobhan:Bunny

Merry Christmas everyone. :Bunny Banded 11/08/05 286/257/150

I have been stuck - weight wise - for about 9 weeks. Today when I was on the treadmill, I was reading Prevention magazine on the More Protein = More weight loss. They talk about women who averages 107 grams of protein per day lost one more pound of fat than others who averages 57 grams per day. I looked at my food journal. When I was losing, I averaged 90. Now I'm down to 60 - what the nutritionist recommended. My Christmas present to me - I'm going to try and hit 100 grams a day. I am going to start a protein thread Monday for me to post my protein intake. I hope this works. I want to lose 6 more pounds before Mexico in 3 weeks - after this stall - I deserve i…

I want to run my situation by all of you. I was banded early in November. For the first few weeks I felt restriction. Slowly I began to get more and more hungry....found that I could eat more and more. I am scheduled for my first fill Jan. 7th. Today I can eat like I did before the band. The only difference I feel is occasional port discomfort and really crude burps!!! I have gained back about half of the twenty pounds I lost right after surgery. I do make bad and unhealthy food choices...guess I have a last supper mentality post-band! I read all the posts here and worry if I have done band damage. I swear I wouldn't believe I even have a band if it weren't for the por…

not being a good bandster from the get go or soon there after? anyone out there who did not follow the after surgery clears only rule and go strait to mushies or foods? or cheat really bad early on? did you slip your band becaue of it? did you do fine? there has to be some rebels out there:p

Does the insurance company pay for that? Or are you pretty much on your own?

Hi Fellow Minnesotans, I've only posted a couple times before, but there has been some serious activity in the last month on my way to Lap-Band surgery. After the informational session at Park Nicollet in early October, I was told it was about a 3 month process to get to a surgery date. I negotiated with my boss to clear the first three weeks of January to accommodate the surgery. Beginning January 23, I will be teaching non-stop until the end of March (I'm a technical trainer for a St. Paul software company). I wasn't able to have my first meeting with a bariatric nurse until mid-November. Then I wasn't scheduled to do the half-day of assessments with the physi…

Hi all! Sorry its been so long since my last post! I am sooooo happy I got the lower body lift. It's spectacular. Its given me a whole new lease on life! I can wear so many things I couldn't or wouldn't before. I may actually venture out in a swimming suit this summer. I'll have to buy one first! I love how much its boosted my confidence too. They didn't just remove the excess skin, they also plumped up my rear end! I had such a flat rear but now I really like it! My legs look better in the picture then they do in real life. Though they aren't bad at all. They aren't dimpled or anything, but they have a lot more "jiggle" to them then I'd like when I walk. I'm go…

I've made up my mind. I'm going to lie. I'm going to look 'em all in the eye and lie like a rug. I'm going to tell my boss I'm having surgery and I'm going to be out for a week. Now here's the thing - I'm not telling anyone I'm getting banded. It's not that I'm ashamed, but this kind of surgery makes people curious and I don't want to have to deal with a lot of questions and/or scrutiny. Therefore, I need to come up with some kind of condition that has no outward symptoms (e.g. rash, weakness, face turning purple, barfing up a lung) but requires surgery to correct. And this condition has to be something that elicits as few questions as possible. It has to be the kin…

Hi everyone. I hope every one is geared up and ready for the Christmas holiday. I'm just ready to be off work. I wanted to pose a question to all of you that are already banded. Based off your expierence to date, and how you feel, and what you know/read etc. Do you think you will stay banded the rest off your life? I mean I know you would want to be, but since this surgery is relatively in the "new" stage (meaning not more than 10 years) Do you think it's plausible. I am just curious to hear your responses.Thanks.....

Now I know that the doctors do not recommend to have an endo until a year after being banded. I have only been banded for 6 months. I have suddenly lost restriction. I'm thinking I need another fill, but to be honest, I haven't been very good to my band lately (haven't been following all the rules). I keep reading about so many people being diagnosed with erosion. I'm not sure if it's my guilt for not being a good bandster, but I keep worrying my self about being eroded. It's gotten to the point that I am not even enjoying the holidays, because I am so stressed about it. So my question is, how soon after being banded, can erosion occur? Who has had the quickest er…

For those of us that are a heavy sweater and large glass of Water away from being the approval BMI for the insurance companies...what are easy ways to gain 10-15 pounds without really gaining the weight? I found out a gallon of water weighs about 8.5 pounds. (just remember to balance out your electrolytes). Jeans and a heavy wool sweater is a good way. A roll of quarters in the pockets. Anything else?

Hello everyone. I am interesting in band surgery. I went through the insurance process and have been rejected twice after testing for various comorbidities. I am fat but I'm healthy! Yaaay! My BMI is 38. I have to options: go take out an $8K-$15K loan or gain 10-15 pounds and have the 40 I need to get the surgery. What do you guys think I should do?

Never to see those numbers again! Down 54.5 lbs!! YIPEE!

I have so much more gas, it seems:ermm

Hello Everyone, I had mentioned in another thread somewhere that a friend of mine mentioned to me a liquid concentrate drink mix that came in individual packets. Quite a few people wrote back saying when I found out what it was to let them know. Here it is: Liquid Concentrate Drink Mix by ProtiDiet it comes in Grape, FruitPunch (which is my friends favorite) and Orange. She says there is no aftertaste and since it's liquid it mixes evenly and quickly. The website you can buy if from gives free S&H for first time buyers and after that it's Free if you spend $50 or more. If you spend $20 or more you can pick 3 product samples you'd like to try. (There is a nice way t…

My one year will be the 3rd of Jan. My port area has been bothering me for several weeks now, getting worse it seems. I am making plans to fly to Mx to see Dr. Sanchez for my one year... I am concerned about port infection although I have no fever and it seems I would have fever if I had an infection. I am also concerned about erosion and everything else... I have lost some restriction, but not totally. I have lost over 30lbs and think that I may just need a fill. If anyone could share there endoscopy experience I would appreciate it as I am nervouse about it..:ogre

I have had pain where my band is and am having heartburn everyday. Sometimes there's a strange feeling in my port. I don't get to see my band dr. until 1/12. In the meantime, my regular dr. can give me something for the heartburn. Reading over the threads it seems like the symptoms match erosion:paranoid :cry If you have eroded or slipped, what, if any, were your symtoms?

Hi ladies. I have been quite busy with work, kids and Christmas - buying a new car... the list goes on. Sorry I have not been around. I miss y'all! I am getting my second fill tomorrow - thank goodness - because I have no restriction! Cross your fingers for me!

Hello everyone. I am scheduled to have the band January 24th. I am very excited. I met with the anesthesiologist today and heard a lot of scary things. But I am trying to stay very positive. I am 33 yrs old and have 2 young boys so I really am at a point where this weight has to come off for good. I just wish I could have had this surgery about 10 yrs. ago. Life is so awesome and I have waisted so much of it being upset with my self. I have really learned a lot from this web site. Good and bad. But it seems most people are very happy to have the band and would do it over again. That's really good to hear. Well I will write after surgery or whenever I have a question. Take…