LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

It has been 19 days since surgery and I weigh 197 this band is awsome.We had our family Christmas yesterday and I tryed several outfits from my closet. TOOOOOO BIGGGGG.Thank you God.The most awsome thing is I am down from 65 units of insulin to 10.I love my band.This band has probably saved my life. I was becoming brittle before I found the ambertose that held me till surgery. After 19 years of diabeties I had diabetic retonopithy and neropthy ( pardon my spelling).I had to have my kidneys checked every three months. I feel great and my blood sugars are Awsome.I want to get out and walk so I can see my scales each morning go down down down.I have always been large but m…

I was banded on October 21st and every thing was going super. Lost 42 pounds, scheduled to go for my first fill on Jan 6th, was able to eat anything. Then Friday night, I had a pork chop and I while I was eating it, a piece got stuck. Since then, I can drink liquids but I have a hard time keeping anything hard down without PBing. I figure one of three circumstances has occurred. 1. There is still blockage from the meat. 2. The area around the band has swollen 3. My band has slipped. Any thoughts or suggestions? Also, if my band has slipped how can I or the doctor tell and what is the procedure for correcting the problem when a patient has yet to get their first …

Well I am finally biting the bullet and having my fill taken out for a few weeks. I have done nothing but PB and Burb for the better part of a week. I called my doc and he wants to take the fill out and let things rest for awhile. I have mixed feeling about it as I thought I was doing really good losing, even though slow and don't want to stop. But I have been unable to eat anything unless it is mush for about 2 weeks and it stinks making different meals then my family. We have always modified things a bit, but this has been what they eat I can't absolutley not tolerate. I know it is only for a few weeks, but I am afraid to gain the weight back now!

Ok so here is my question..........What kind of pain, stiffness, irritation did you feel when coming home? I am mainly questioning the physical aspects of the "after surgery" feelings. I am curious as to whether or not the doc sends you home with any pain meds, is there a need for any? All meds have to be crushe dor liquid form at this point right? Is movement restricted? I know rest, sip, rest, sip is often given as get well words of encouragement, but will a week or so off from work be enough for me? I sit at a desk for the most part so there isnt any real strenuous activity done. It seems some people bounce back from the surgery quicker than others. Any input …

So, I just posted on the Fill forum that my first fill went very well. I had a real interesting conversation with the doctor, however, and want everyone's take on it. I know all of our doctors put us on varying food plans following our surgeries, and I realize that these food plans are meant to be permanent. While lamenting to the doctor that I am 4 pounds heavier than I thought, he asked me a series of questions, including: Am I certain I am consuming no more than 7-800 calories a day(I don't count my calories, just estimate)? Am I completely abstaining from bread, pasta, rice, and potatoes at all times (all but potatoes, yes, and I eat them last) Am I only ea…

I was just banded in Manchester at CMC by Dr. Campell. She was wonderful. I can not say enough about the staff that I worked with before the sugery, and the nursing staff were so fantastic!!!! I would recommend Dr. Campbell to anyone. She was great in the office and at the hospital talking to me and my husband and did not rush our questions. She came right out to see my husband when she was done, he was very happy that she did not make him wait like he had to prior with another surgen. Hope everyone is doing well!!!

My surgeon requires that everyone has a sleep study done before he will do lap band surgery. Is this common practice? I really don't believe that I have sleep apnea. My husband does have it and I know what all of the signs/symptoms are. The problem is that my health insurance just denied the sleep study and I am not sure how to proceed.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANCY!! :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana

I was told 6 some say 4, just wondering?

Happy Birthday Miss Cissy !!!! :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana

My hubby has been in India for the past 3 weeks. I have spent a majority of the time at my mom's house. She has a very hard bed that I've been sleeping on. I am a major tummy sleeper and apparently at some point in the middle of the night I found my port (slight discomfort) and started dreaming about it. I dreamed that my port had moved southward into my left leg and my doctor had to open my port incision back up pull the port by the tube, cut off the remainder and close me back up. It didn't hurt but sure was funny to watch (in my dream) It reminded me of the tubing that you cut for a fish tank bubbles. It's interesting the kind of stuff your brain comes up with when…

Hello, I have been researching the Band and I came upon DS and its getting many positive reviews as far as success rates. After reading much about it seems t that people are able to eat normally with out gaining weight back and not vomiting. (loose stools for a while though)I read that vitamins are needed for ever though. I was just wondering what people have heard about it.

I just got my band today! I am feeling ok, I just can't really get comfortable and my back is hurting. It is ok, though. I am excited to be starting this journey. I have a list of Vitamins that the nutrionist at my surgeon's office recommended. I will post them a little bit later in the Vitamin thread. Wish me a quick recovery! I have no idea how I am going to get in 64oz of Fluid like they want me to. What a job!!

Hi I am new to this forum and am scheduled to attend my first seminar in Baltimore with Dr. Singh's office at St. Agnes on Monday 12/19. I am interested in the banding and thought this forum would be one of the best places to get sincere information. Can you give me an idea as to what to expect after this first meeting? I have Carefirst Blue Choice health care insurance, anyone have expereince with them? My BMI is 35.8 but I have some medical issues. Thanks for any help and information.

good morning everyone. i have a question for you all. as i stated previously, my husband and i are gonna go thru this together. however, he has not yet made up his mind if he is going to do the band or gb. i talked with him yesterday and was telling him about everything i read just yesterday on this board regarding that. he said that he is just afraid of still being hungry and with the gb some kind of hunger craving whatever is supposedly taken away. and he is looking to drop weight pretty fast, he already has a back fracture caused by his weight. i told him i would support him either way but i really wish he would do the band. help me out here guys. thanks

This is my first cold since being banded and I can't find my approved meds list. Are we restricted on taking Cold medicine?

'IF YOU COULD BUY YOUR HEALTH! ( WHAT WOULD YOU PAY?).................. LET'S SAY (MEN) 185lb that is the average weight 6 foot tall. let's say ( woman) 125.5 is the average weight 5 five feet five half in woman. say you wanted to lose 100lb how much is it worth to you? I'know this seem's pointless but please bare with me,some people out there in band land are investing in there future (Financially) for your golden year's. And some of you invested in you Band self paying! WHAT a great investment for you health, and for your Golden year's I' applaud all of you who got banded for you better health! The point "Im trying to make is that you need to start, depositing…

Hello everyone! I am new on this forum and I am getting banded tomorrow morning!!! Yeah!!! I am really excited, and a little nervous. But most of all I am just ready to get healthy and happy! If anyone has any advice for me, feel free to email or leave a post! Thankyou!! Teresa:)

Hello Ladies... This saturday is our monthly get together...Who is coming? Head count please!!!! Melissa suggested an ornament exchange...anyone up for it? I know there were a few of us that said we would so lets say if you want to join un please bring one with you. If you don't please don't feel obligated...the ones who brought will exchange. Sound good? Place: Ruby Tuesdays off Arrowood and 77 Time: 11:30 I haven't heard from Parthivi (?) so I am not sure if she will be joining us or not. I hope so it...it will be so good to meet others from LBT when we get a chance. This is like my family away from my family. Does that make sense. Ok so who's in and who's n…

I'm looking forward to being banded by Dr Gazareyli @ St Joe in Pontiac in January. I'm interested in meeting with a counselor who specializes in weight issues. I'm worried about being an emotional eater. I'm determined to do everything I can to work with my band! Thanks.

... to get married! Life is good. I had another flouroscopy this week, and my band still looks great. I had another fill, and am up to 1.6 CC now (in a 4 CC band). I still don't have much restriction, but I have a little, and it feels good. And yes, I'm getting married this Saturday, in the absolute geekiest of ALL weddings. Rather than just tell you, I'll let y'all guess what we're doing Just remember, it doesn't get much geekier than this! Oh, I'll post a picture of the rings =) I'm very proud of them -- we had them custom made by a shop in Ireland! Peace, Jonathan

I thought it would be fun to see some pics of Christmas Cards we all will be sending out this year. Here is my card for CHRISTMAS 2005 HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO MY LAPBAND FAMILY !!!

I got home last night from being banded on Tues. It was rough going but I am making it through step by step. I have a heavy pressure in my chest and I feel like I need a really big burp! The rest of my gas pains are going away slowly but surely. I am having a really hard time getting in enough liquids. The isopure is gross..and according to my Dr. I am not to have ANY SUGAR AT ALL. I have read of others having apple juice if they want and that the next few weeks are about "healing" not losing weight. I am not diabetic at all so is this the "norm" I have been eating popcicles, water, some broth and some gulps of the isopure but I get a sick feeling everytime I taste it, bu…

I was banded on October 21st and every thing was going super. Lost 42 pounds, schedule to go for my first fill on Jan 6th, was able to eat anything. Then Friday night, my wife made me a pork chop and I while I was eating it, a piece got stuck. Since then, I can drink liquids but I have a hard time keeping anything hard down without PBing. I figure one of three circumstances has occurred. 1. There is still blockage from the meat. 2. The area around the band has swollen 3. My band has slipped. Any thoughts or suggestions? Also, if my band has slipped how can I or the doctor tell and what is the procedure for correcting the problem when a patient has yet to…

Last night I had the weirdest dream about getting banded. There were a bunch of us in bathrobes sitting in folding chairs in someone's living room, waiting to get banded. We were all wearing elastic headbands with a bright orange mailbox flag attached to the front. You had to keep the flag up so the staff would know who was in line. I had a hard time keeping my flag up. It kept falling down and then the nurse would skip over me and take someone else into surgery. The other thing was I had to pee every five seconds and the bathroom was one of those British phonebooths and every time I went in there, I'd miss hearing my name called. Also, Randal from the Apprentice was ther…

hi I'm home... just had my surgery yesterday and I'm home now. All went well, I was up and walking midnight last night. had a scope today to make sure my band is ok and no leaks. all is well and I'm an official bandster. thanks for the support and prayers mrsgdmc

What happens to be the average weight loss for 5 weeks post op. I had my surgery on 11/10/05 and 5 days prior to surgery I started the liquid diet(of course not on that now) and I have lost a total of 38 lbs. Am I losing to fast or am I average. The doctor says I have a small band around my stomach however many cc's that is. I saw him on Weds. and he said he didn't want to give me a fill until January, that is if I need it then. Enlighten me please. Josephine

Today Tell Newyear's Day The Average Person Will Gain 7pound's Of Weight. Due To Over Eating And,( Also Liquid Calorie's ) Add Up Fast. Putting Off, There Daily Walk. I,will Do It Tomorrow. Mine Is Over Eating Candy! That Is My Down Fall! I'allow My Self To Eat Some What Of Junk Food One Day,a Few More Hundred Calorie' Intake That Day Then Fight The Calorie's The Rest Of The Week! I Hope Every One Out There In Band Land Will Have A Safe And Loving Time With Your Family's And Friend's Over Christmass!!! And Also Remember To Think About All Your Choice's Of Food,however If You Been Fitting A Few Pound's For A While Now Is Not The Time To Let Your Self Go With Eat…

liquid diet blues? Want a great holiday feast.. liquid form? http://www.jonessoda.com/files_new/turkey05.html hahahhaa my hubby bought some for a gag gift at work.. ill let ya know how bad they are in a few days after i hear about it =)

I just got back from my consult with the Endo doc and was put back on Nexium twice a day even though I like the Prilosec OTC. But it's ok Doc is a hottie just plain hot... Oh yeah the endo I check in at 10am and somewhere around 11am they should be doing it.. Will update later In Feb he would like to do a colonoscopy :cry I can never just go with the flow.. Talk to you all later

Since I have gotten my Lap band I seem to be under such extreme stress that sometimes I actually feel Like I am falling apart....I feel like my heart hurts sometimes. I really don't know if it does or does not have anything to do with the lapband itself or not. But there is one difference that makes me think maybe it does. When I didn't have the lap band I ate whenever I was stressed, and of course all the wrong foods! But now that I am banded that was taken away and now I seem to not be able to handle the stress I mean I feel physical pain from stress! I never felt that before. Has anyone out there had a similar experience and if so how do I correct this?Suggestions will…

For those postes who suggest the INAMED bands distributed in Mexico are inferior to those distributed in the US. I just received the following e-mail from Don Mills who represents Inamed regarding this subject. Hello , There is no difference in the production of the LAP-BAND or the band itself between those used in the US and those used elsewhere in the world including Mexico. The are all made to the same high quality standards. There is one difference. Bands in the US have a larger port while the band used internationally use a smaller port. Functionally there is no difference. It is a matter of surgeon preference in the US. We do not know why a small percent of…

Okay everyone...It's the holidays and I have been at 195-196 for the past week or so. I have been able to put down a little bit more than before. But I was wondering if I should get a fill before the holidays or trust my band will be up to the challenge of Christmas and New Year's. I want to be able to have a good time without the worry. I know what to stay away from and what to do but I don't want to to feel miserable either. What would you do?

Hi.. both my DH and I are being banded on Tuesday 12/20. We have not had to be on any type of a pre op diet. One question I forgot to ask was what we should eat the day before. I can always call on Monday morning but thought I might ask here and see what suggestions I get here too. Do we stick to easily digestible foods? Does it matter? Help!

Hey Guys! I suppose everyone allready knows this,but I just discovered it for myself and wanted to share.I just buy the chocolate powdered protien from Walmart,but I suppose any would do.In your cup of coffee put a serving of protien powder,1 pkg. splenda and powdered creamer to taste...Soooooooooo delicous!!!Packs 20 grams protien and miniscule carbs.Also the powder disolves much easier in hot liquid than cold.I don't think this is appropriate for clear phase,but maybe for phase two.(Maybe some oldtimers can let us know.)I still have to have my endoscopy then my band.Whoo-hoo!I stopped the soda addiction months ago in anticipation of my band,so am very proud of myself …

I had my gallbladder out about 2 weeks ago and have not yet returned to anywhere near normal energy levels. A 5 min walk on my treadmill (very slow speed) is about all I can do. I go back to work next week and worry that I won't make it through the parking lot to my office! Am I expecting too much in only 2 weeks? I've read here, and elsewhere, that lap gallbladder operations are a snap and an easy recovery - even more so than the lap band which I was considering too. As a result, I'm concerned that something isn't right with the operation. The doc said it was a difficult one for him and he wouldn't have done the lapband at the same time. I'm no spring chicken -…

I'm now obese not super obese according to my BMI.

A harley enthusiast friend of DH's sent him this. I couldn't tell a Schwinn from a Ducati, but I still think it's pretty cute. No clicking needed, just a bit of patience for loading. Make sure you have sound on. Biker's xmas card

I feel just like a baby. All the post on here are so positive but not me. I had my band put on 2 days ago and I am in pain and not happy at all. I can't even sip water without burping constant and pain. I feel week as anything and can't sleep hardley at all. I've coughed up a bunch of mucus this morning and am worried. I am a bad patient and a complainer but I feel like crap and can't stop shaking. I stopped taking meds cause I think they are making me sick too. Sorry for complaints, I just feel like a baby. I think I'll try and eat some broth and see what happens even though water hurts any suggestions would be nice.

Just joined the chat room, I've been through the whole bcbs thing I did the supervised diet for the year, prescription drugs, the history of being over weight for the past 5 years and all the other conditions. And just when I thought I'd be approved the company which I work for excluded it from there policy as of Sept first.... I just sick and tired of the whole thing....I found a couple of Dr's in mexico that I like. and their fees run any-where from 10,000 to 8,450 including airfare. I v'e talked to a few people who had friends go to Mexico and said everything was fine... has anyone eles checked into it ???

How in the heck do you, or did you, all find a way to reach 60 grams of protien a day. I need help bad!! Everytime I eat anything an hour later I have the worst hunger pangs. the most I have had with protien is the the broth 2 grams!!!!! and thats for a whole serving!!!! Any help is much appreciated!! PS and yes i am drinking my Water so its not being mistaken for dehydration

hi I'm home... just had my surgery yesterday and I'm home now. All went well, I was up and walking midnight last night. had a scope today to make sure my band is ok and no leaks. all is well and I'm an official bandster.

Hi all, I was banded 10 days ago and have had the worst pb'ing! I mean, I couldn't keep ANYTHING down! It's gotten better in the last few days, but I wanted to know if anyone else has experienced this? If so, how long did it last for you? I also have gastritis, so the fruit juices aren't very good for me, so I'm drinking watered down smoothies. Also, it seems after I drink ANYTHING, I have to burp. Is this gas from the surgery, or will it always be this way? I'm so happy that I've lost 23 lbs, but it seems to have come at a pretty high price! I'm sure things will get better-just looking for some common experiences out there. One more question-how long does milk/s…

I got my date DEC 8th., at Baystate medical in Springfield Ma. with Dr Fiallo.. for awhile I was afraid I wouldn't get approval but I did.

I thought maybe we could use this thread to talk about the supplements and vitamins we are taking for various reasons. I wanted to ask Lsasha what that one for hair is again, before I go bald! What are people taking and what have your doctors told you to take? This is good info for me since I was banded in Mexico and didn't have the level of care you guys did. Also, we can talk about where to get the stuff, Wal Mart or wherever....so start typing!!!!!!!!

A special spot for our beloved shows....if you saw the finale on ANTM, I was dissappointed in the winner But , what can you do? When is another Lost coming on? Who watches what? I tell you, I'm a Sunday girl - Extreme Home Makeover, Desperate Housewives, and Grey's Anatomy. LOVE IT!

Ever since my first fill which has been almost a month now, I have not been able to keep solids down no matter how hard I have tried to introduce them! I have PB'd and gotten sick so much I think my band must be swollen because now I am not even doing well on soups. Would I know it if my band had slipped? I have been PB'ing like crazy and I do not see my Dr until the 21st of this month. I called and told them what was going on and that was the earliest they could get me in! Any words of wisdom?

So, I've read that carbonation is a no no because it can stretch the pouch (though I've read no actual studies that draw this conclusion). Has anyone had experience with consuming carbonated beverages and if this has actually caused a problem? I'm talking once in a while, not on a daily basis. Thanks! Cindy

I'm just happy and need a place to share. I haven't told many in my life about heading in the band direction yet, so as of yet I'm still limited on the # of people I can blab to! I had my physical + bloodwork this morning in preparation for submitting my pre-approval paperwork to my surgery clinic. When my PCP asked what had brought me in I told her I was hoping to get a letter of recommendation from her for the Lap-Band. Well, not only had she heard of it & supports it, but she also has 8 other patients who have had it done. I had no idea! She talked to me about it for a good 45 minutes, about how it's her opinion that doctors who don't support it for people …

This will help you and your band if you let it.Just a thought for you. There was a done study 3 groups of people! subjects who dieted' but dident exercise; those who dieted and did aerobic exercise;and those dieted and did aerobics and weight training. in twevle weeks'each group lost the same amount of weight-about 20 pounds. the big difference was the amount of muscle lost.people who dieted with out exercising lost nearly seven pounds of ( Muscle ) interestingly,those who dieted and did aerobics lost over four pounds of muscle ). only the group who dieted while also lifting weights and doing aerobics maintained their muscles mass. they lost about a ( half a pound o…