LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

I’m 4 months out with my Band surgery. I’m down 70 plus lbs. Sounds good?. MY PROBLEM, right after every fill, I can’t drink water or consume any liquid. It slowly got better clearing up totally after 5 or 6 days. But this last fill it hasn’t gotten better. In fact I can’t hardly keep anything down. Been living off mashed potatoes for the last week. I can keep down chipped or shaved ice. But at times my own salvia causes me to get the hiccups which ends in throwing up. My surgeon doesn’t know what to make of it. I went to my ENT doctor; he scoped me, but found nothing wrong. My family PhD wants to put in an IV and leave it in, so I get enough liquids. I don’t want that op…

I've been at less than 700 calories for two weeks now, and I'm having some issues with this. I can only seem to manage to eat a couple of tablespoons of food at a time before I'm in danger of PBing. I'm hungry but not hungry. I didn't have any similar issues with my food when I was at 1000 calories. I didn't have much in the way of head hunger issues. I know everyone has their own threshold, but how does anyone else tell the difference between head hunger and real body hunger?

Today I purchased a pair of jeans with A ZIPPER and without any ELASTIC....and I went from a size "haha, no way in hell without elastic" to a size 26 without elastic.....and let's not forget with a ZIPPER!!! Life is good....

Ok, I am having some issues. Now this is the deep down horrible and ugly truth here and I am not proud of it. 1. I realise that I have a deep dislike of anyone who counts calories/fat grams/carbs or works towards losing weight. I see them as vain, superficial and assume they must think I am disgusting. I see them as mean and stingey, cold and rigid. I feel like a failure in their presence. However I adore people who eat voluptuously. Those who throw caution to the wind and indulge in that second piece of cheesecake. To me these people seem alive and human, warm, sensual and delightful. Now of course my dilemma is this : with this (stooopid) attitude how am I ever goin…

How do you know if you are to tight after a fill I have been vomiting lately but before I had mod to minimal restriction I don't know if it is due to not knowing when to stop the fullness just creeps up and its too late past the point of sliming I have to vomit to painful or too tight I just don't know sorry so graphic but I feel I am eating things that go down easy not proteins anyways give me your advice

Ok so i know that those of you that are or were bigger like me...like 250+ have SOME kind of experience with the dreaded spare tire on your lower belly. I have had one child and it was a c-section and ever since my "baby" fat in my stamache has taken a downward turn...its disgusting. Anyone have a method that they truly thinks works? Im starting an excercise program next week and i hope to lose some of this...I wanted to know what most of you are doing to get the HARD TO ELIMINATE areas of your body? My next problem is my thunder thighs.....my biggest section on me is my mid section, butt, and legs....everything else is slightly manageable. HELP!!!!

Dear People, I made up my mind to have the lap band surgery, researching like wild, narrowing my choice of suregeons - then, boom! I'm terrified! I really believed that this lap band was going to free me from the battle. You know the one I'm talking about. But the more I read the more I wonder if I'm going to end up regretting the whole thing. It's a lot of money, and I'm just an average-income American. I'm now afraid of the following things: Will I loose any weight at all in the first month? Seems that many don't. Will I loose even 20 lbs in the first 6 months? Seems like many don't. You would think that if you were on a liquid only diet for basically t…

I've had my band replaced here in Italy and have some difficulty with the language when talking to doctors and nurses. I was discharged from hospital on Wednesday evening. The doctor gave me an envelope and said ring the number on here to make a follow-up appointment for 2weeks time. Anyway, I've been feeling a bit rough with post-op gas pains so it's only today that I've taken the letter out of my bag. It doesn't just contain the number for the follow up appointment but is also a presecription that I should take to the chemist for Clexane 4000 UI. I imagine this is to help avoid DVT (as they didn't give me anything to bring home with me). My husband has just taken it …

Well, I have all the pre things done. But I got an email from Kim saying the only way I would get to have surgery is if someone cancelled or had to reschedule. I only have this week and next b/c Dr. B is not doing any surgeries the week before or the week after Christmas. At this point, I wouldn't even mind asking someone to switch with me. This is my last chance unless I go self pay- which is not going to happen. Please pray this will happen for me. All I want for Christmas- is my band!!!!!!!!

Before I schedule any surgery I need to locate a good fill location for me. I live on the Wisc./MN border - I imagine someone in the St.Paul/Mpls. area will be the nearest. Does anyone have someone they could/would recommend. Seems that this is a big issue with almost everyone. Thanks!

Am I the only one who is becoming afraid of this site? It seems like every time I read new posts, they are about people having complications with their bands. Don't get me wrong, I want the truth, but I am coming to the conclusion that my band is only going to be a temporary solution. I am TERRIFIED of gaining my weight back, and from what I'm reading here lately, it seems like it is only a matter of time before we all lose our bands. Anyone else feel like I do???

Hello...I am a little stressed in life right now...I am only sleeping @ 4 hours at night and that is just not like me. I was wondering if it's ok to take a OTC sleep aid a couple of nights? I need to do something I am so excusted I can't do much at all. I just want to be careful with my band and not hurt it...it's the one thing in my life I can depend on.

I am having the procedure on December 15th... I start my liquid diet on the 5th. Any suggestions.....I think it should be okay...

We're not big medicine people here, so I need some input. I've heard liquid Gas-ex, but is there anything else you'd recommend I must purchase before this Friday (my surgery). Thanks!

Hi all, I have a low bmi, 38. I am not sure that I should be considering this. Most of the people I speak to have bmi's much higher. Medical people here in the states won't touch me. They tell me I should diet. The point is I have tried and failed at every diet there is. I gain weight in the end. I am at my wits end. I hate the way I look and the way I feel. Am I wrong to want this? The doctors here sure made me feel that way. Is there anyone here who can identify with me? Any one here that had a low bmi? I feel like such a looser. Help Bruce

My goal is 50 lbs by January 24th 2006 (1 year)

Well Im finally going in Dec. 22nd to get my leaky port replaced. He is putting it under a Hernia surgery and while hes in there he will replace my leaky port. My question is.. Has anyone had Hernia surgery? and if so what was it like? It will be a few days before Christmas and I dont want to be in to much pain. But I guess if I have to it will be worth it in the end. Thanks for any information!

how is everyone doing?

Hi Everyone I will be having surgery on Dec 13,. When I went to the doctors office back in sept he wanted me to lose 19 lbs before surgery. As of today i have 5 more lbs to lose to meet my surgery weight. I would like to lose the 5 lbs before I see him on the 12th. Anyone out there have any tips? I have been on a low cab/ liquid diet. Thanks Joe

So far I'm just on the fence about the band. I'm not feeling that much different. The liquids are getting old, but I've been able to add some bulk like soggy saltines and bloated pasta pieces. Mmmm, tasty. So I'm just looking at all the before and after's thinking how cool it will be in a month or so when I can really tell a difference.

Okay I've had 3 fills so far. I'm not quite sure how many cc's though. I think the first one was 1cc and the rest have been .5cs. I'm still eating what I think is more than I should be able. I don't choke on anything. I don' t need to chew overly well. I still gulp my fluids. I can eat an entire lean cuisine with a salad. Granted I feel very satisfied for a long time after that, for hours and hours. But I still feel I should not be able to eat all that. It's very frustrating. Roxanne

If any of you guys have a xbox or a playstation...or you have one you can steal from your kids, you should check out dance dance revolution. We have been playing it for a few years. Its great exercise. I have played it for over an hour tonight. I normally have trouble getting my exercise in on the weekend. For those that don't know what it is. It's a video game that you dance to the music and arrows on the screen. They have pads that you dance on and you have to step on the right arrow with the beat of the song. It's very addicting. My husband that doesn't like to exercise will play this. Some high schools in california from what I understand are actually …

I am three weeks post-op, and eager for my first fill in three more weeks (not eager at all about the procedure, but eager to feel some restriction as my swelling is down and I've got NOTHING- following my food plan so of course I am starving all time!!). I have a 4CC band. How much did your doctor give you for your first fill and how did it do for you??

I just had my 4th fill a month ago, but I still am having a problems eating slowly, so almost everyday I throw up something. I am trying not to stay in the soft food phase, but I can't even go out to eat with out having to get up and go to the restroom. I have been doing it today, I can not keep anything down and know I feel a little pain in my stomach. I don't know if I should have a little removed or try to eat slower like I should. I will do only liquids for a few days and maybe some swelling will go down if that is the problem? Has any one experienced this.

Hi all, I got my appt for the midband with Dr Frering in France in Feb. As I was reading my confirmation letter, it says that the day before the surgery I will sleep in the hospital for a Gastroscopy. They said its an endoscope that goes from the mouth to check out the stomach and intestine. I got really horrified once I read this, especsially that they will use full anesthesia for the endoscopy one day before the operation. And that menas I would need another anesthesia the following day for the band. So is this normal? And did all of you guys had the gastroscopy/endoscopy? cause i'm freaking out in here:(

Was banded yesterday and feeling pretty good...i am very excited to have started this whole trip!! I am having one problem...I have not had a bowel movement since yesterday morning before my surgery...i am an everyday kind of gal...and wonder if this is unusual or not. Thanks for all the support!!

I am getting banded on 12/13 and just got my food plan. I am wondering how bad the first few days are and if anyone else had a three week liquids only diet? I am a bit concerned about being either hungry or not being able to get in enough liquid.

Hi gang, I was hoping for some suggestions as to what I should do in regards to my first fill. As a lot of you know I was PMSing and going nuts for food and chocolate! Well as of today, I have no cravings and I'm not hungry. So I guess those hunger pains/thoughts were all related. I haven't even cared about eating today. So do I need that fill? I was doing so well that the last time I had a Dr.s appointment he said lets hold off. Of course that was back in October. I also got a suggestion from a friend to increase my wellbrutin when I was pmsing. my RX calls for a lot more that what I've been taking. So I think that was a great suggestion. Of course I will notify …

Hello, I am in somewhat of a denial as I went through a small ordeal to get to this place but I'm being banded January 23rd...WOOHOO. I saw the psych the day I was PMSing and I looked like a basket case, but when I went for my med checkup and he cleared me. YEAH! I was frustrated because I'm ready....any challenges I may face...BRING IT ON!!!!!!! He was afraid I was not ready, but believe me with all the challenges and hurdles I've been through in life, I know I can do this. I'm a fighter and an overcomer. Anyway-lol...my name is Kristine and I live in upstate NY. I lost 12 of the 10 required pounds. I've been reading here for awhile now. Kristine

I am having this weird cough often. Or should I call it the urge to cough. I am deathly afraid of thinking my band has slipped or something worse. I have no change in my restriction. It is about perfect. Started having MINOR reflux type symptoms along with this cough. Nothing compared to the MAJOR reflux I had before I had a small unfill. Anyone else have this cough? Got any ideas? P.S I am just recovering from a wicked 3 week cold/flu thing. But this cough feels lke I need to clear spit from the back of my throat. P.S.S Here is a weird question......I dont have health insurance here in the states and was wondering if I could have a pap and general physical down in T…

Hi gang, I was hoping for some suggestions as to what I should do in regards to my first fill. As a lot of you know I was PMSing and going nuts for food and chocolate! Well as of today, I have no cravings and I'm not hungry. So I guess those hunger pains/thoughts were all related. I haven't even cared about eating today. So do I need that fill? I was doing so well that the last time I had a Dr.s appointment he said lets hold off. Of course that was back in October. I also got a suggestion from a friend to increase my wellbrutin when I was pmsing. my RX calls for a lot more that what I've been taking. So I think that was a great suggestion. Of course I will…

Aint it the truth !!!!!!

......that I don't have. How do you people wait for 30 days?? Seriously? I swear if my insurance company doesn't have answer soon I'm going to go nuts. Tomorrow is Monday so maybe...just maybe. I'm also wondering if there is anything I can do right now while waiting? Take blood tests? A sleep study? I have a PPO so I don't need referrals for anything.

Ive only been able to lose a total of 24 pounds since surgery. I have had one fill already, and lost 4 pounds from that but now I have very little restriction again and am able to eat alot more. Im not sure what im doing wrong, or whats going on but im getting really discouraged. I should have lost alot more by now. x.x I just had my first fill in September, and Im already debating getting another. Is this ok? Should I be getting another fill so soon eventhough I have lost little to no weight since the last one? Anyone have similar problems? Thanks. -Kendra

Happy Birthday Corinne :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana

This may sound strange but since I found out about my erosion it has gotten me thinking...... Almost all of the erosion cases I have heard about here and on other boards have all be from MX surgeons. There is something to be said about that. Could it be their technique in placing the band? Could it be the band itself? I know Inamed has a MX Inamed site with a MX distributor. Could they be made differently? Think about it ..all of the eroded bandsters here on LBt that I know of..Donali, Francesca, Karen, Catfanlover, myself and a few others I can not recall their names were all banded in Mexico. I even know of a few who are not on this board but were banded in MX and ha…

hey everyone! I'm a newbie here so bear with me I'm Morgan, 13 years old, and I am off to Atlanta (I'm from columbus, about 2 hours away) to meet with the doctors at Emery Hospital for a clinic. Hopefully to schedule my surgery also *crosses fingers* I've been overweight all my life, been going to gyms and used every diet you can name scince I was very young.. even as a baby I wasn't given unhealthy Snacks. At age 10 I was diagnosed with PCOS, and was put on metformin, welbutrin, and effexor. i lost about 30 lbs, but soon gained it back, even with dieting and exercising. Soon I gained it all back. I went to a bariatric docotor and was on Pro-Cal ONLY for about 2 mont…

Okay.... tomorrow is my 2 week aniversary. I tried to eat some mushies. My doc said applesauce, baby food consistancy foods, runny oatmeal. I have tried for the last two days.. I dont think i'm ready. I am so afraid to "PB" that i only eat about 2 oz and last night i got really nauseous. Not like i was going to throw up just really sick at my stomach. Could it be because I have been on liquids for 19 days and my tummy is just not use to food it has to work to digest? I think I may go back to liquids for a couple more days. Any suggestions for the mushie phase would be greatly appreciated. Shari Lou

Ok, see post called "2nd fill a nightmare" and you will know what happened yesterday. So, I had liquids yesterday and this AM and now I tried a teensy bit of mushed potato salad and I PB'd. He said I only need unfilled if I can't get liquids down,.,,, but I am supposed to never eat again? I'm hungry!

Hey everyone, I wanted to check in with all of you to let you all know Iam home from TJ and bandless. I'm doing amazingly well emotionally...physically however I do have some pain. I found out what caused my erosion....we all know they stitch the band in place..well when I had bowel obstruction surgery Dr. Ortiz was concerned about a stitch he saw which is why he was so adamant of me coming back in 6 months for another endo, sure enough after reading my endo report and viewing the dvd the endo doctor gave him there is no doubt in his mind what so ever that the 1 single stitch caused the band to erode, the good thing coming out of this is Dr. Ortiz said and I qoute " you …

Hi everyone, I'm quite new to this (first forum I've ever used), so forgive me if I'm in the wrong section or something. I'm hoping someone else has experienced what I'm going through and can help me identify the problem. It's only been 2 weeks since the lap-band surgery (11/18). Everything was going well until this past Monday when I began to experience some acute, intense pain in my left side. I notice that the pain has something to do with eating, as it recurs or intensifies every time I eat something. This, of course, causes me not to want to eat anything and I feel like I'm slowly starving to death - hungry all the time, but scared to eat. Warm clear liquids seem to …

Haven't seen ZOE online lately. Anyone heard from her?

Thank You Everyone for your support. The acid reflux has disappeared, and I am following a liquid diet. Hoping for the best!!!!!!!!

How hard has it been finding a fill doctor in the states???? I have the 10cc swedish band by Johnson and Johnson, and just want to be prepared as to wether or not I will have to fly back to Mexico for fills. Thanks All!!

Hi, Has anyone stretched their stomach / band so much that it no longer works ?

If you are at your "sweet spot" I want to know how much you eat. Like amount, kind of food, etc. A daily example of what a sweetn spot bandster eats. Thanks!

I'm 3 weeks post op and feeling back to 100% (cant tell that i have had surgery in fact). I am wanting to go to the gym and work out but I don't know how far I can push myself. Can I get my heart rate up and everything? Treadmill, elipticals ect?

hi Is an endoscopy test like a gastroscopy? The dr have emptied my band about a week ago and instead of the pain going away it has intensified a lot.....I get the spasms I got directly after the operation.When I lie on my left side I get an intense pain on the right side...I constantly get a "chest pain",intense pressure,even when I breathe in.All theses symptoms got a lot better after I started having fills......only the pressure and reflux and heartburn remained.....now since the unfill, no reflux,no heartburn at all............. The dr said to wait 10 days and then I will go for and endoscopy test.Never had one before...... Since my band have been emptied I hav…

well, i was suppossed to get banded today and it was postponed due to an emergency that came in...so i am scheduled for tomorrow at 730am i am so nervous and scared. right now i feel like i could just call the doc and call the whole thing off. i know in my heart this is what i need to do....but it has taken so much out of me emotionally..... any words of wisdom for the nervousness the night before would be appreciated. i keep trying to think that tomorrow at this time it will be all over and i will be snug in my bed...it dosn't help wish me luck : )

I am a long time poster, but felt uncomfortable post this under my real screen name. I just feel silly asking basic questions I guess. I was banded in February this year, and have lost around 80lbs. I see my band doc every two monthss at this stage, for a weigh in, check up and chat. At my last visit I had lost 12lbs. I have an appointment with my band doc in another two weeks, and have only lost 2lbs this time. I have been exercising far more consistantly over the last 6 weeks (just walking, so not a lot of chance I have built muscle) and have been keeping my calories between 1200 - 1300 a day. And that has been a huge struggle. I have lost a lot of restriction. …