LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

But I just found your sight. Please indulge me with as much support and love and you can afford, cuz I'm scared.... My surgery is scheduled for December 9th. I started my full liquids diet today. (That has been surprisingly easy, at least today). I know these sights are for the experienced bander with all of the great info flying around. I am not one of you (yet). I am the first person I know personally who is having this. My best friend had RNY several years ago, but she is currently eating thru it and not having the eating issues, I didn't know her when she had it done. It just really hit me tonight in reading all of this information that this is not a cake w…

I'm planning on banding surgery in January and have done tons of research. Other than the erosion/slippage issue, which is scary for anyone banded or considering it of course, I am feeling pretty comfortable with the decision to have the surgery. But I have to wonder - are there days or moments or situations in which you wish, temporarily, that you weren't banded? And, do you ever get tired of having the band and all of the "work" that goes along with it? Be honest, don't feel like you have to sugar-coat it. I'm actually hoping to hear how those of you who do feel this way sometimes deal with it. Because I have a feeling that even with success, I'll be "over" the ba…

I found this on Indiana law website anyone good at interpreting the law?? It seems to me this says they have to approve me. February 4, 2005 <HR align=center width=309 SIZE=1> <HR align=center width=309 SIZE=1> <!-- End of font TimesNewRomanRegular with size 10 --><!-- Font changed to TimesNewRomanRegular with size 19 -->SENATE BILL No. 360 _____ <!-- End of font TimesNewRomanRegular with size 19 --><!-- Font changed to TimesNewRomanRegular with size 12 --> DIGEST OF SB 360 <!-- End of font TimesNewRomanRegular with size 12 --><!-- Font changed to TimesNewRomanRegular with size 9 -…

Another member and I were briefly running this over through a PM... IF something happened to our band, would we chose another weightloss surgery to continue our weightloss journey. For me, I would. Not the GBP though, something else... but what? At this current weight, I wouldnt qualify for another surgery. So? What are the other options? Im 30 pounds from original goal weight. If my band had to be removed, I wouldnt feel safe having another procedure at this weight - so do I gain 100 pounds to qualify? I cant imagine what this would do to my system! My MIL had her stomach stapled 20 or so years ago. She still struggles here and there, always needing to …

Sue and Michelle, and Francesca! I just want you to know that you've been on my mind all day, and have been sending you tons of white light. Sue, I know you are an athiest, which is groovey, but I also know you won't begrudge me sending you some positive and warm thoughts. You both have increadible strength and LBT has benifitted from your wisdom here. I have benifitted from your wisdom and strength. I'm sure you have been on everyone else's minds today as well, and we all send you our love. I'm editing to include Francesca! How could I forget one with such a gentle spirit!?

I know this is not the right forum for this I posted this under insurance too but for those of you that dont go there. This is the letter I came up with for my insurance co. Please tell me what you think or if I should change anything. I used parts of letters I found on the net and added my own issues to it. Here it is any advice would be helpful. November 25, 2005<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> Dear Sir or Madam,<o:p></o:p> This letter is to appeal your denial for LapBand Bariatric surgery proc…

SO ok, I have been this board talking of how wonderful it has been to be restricted, the weight is just flying off since my last fill October 3rd and there are some meals I can't get more than a few bites in which I love when I hit the scales the next day. So why now all of a sudden I can eat again? Even in the morning. I still have some restriction, but not what I was getting. Ever since Thanksgiving when I could eat more than a few bites and at lunch today I went to eat my normal half chargrilled chicked sandwich lunch and noticed I ate 3/4's of the sandwich before I threw it away and still wanted more and it only took 30 minutes later for me to be hungry again. Be…

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I have just joined the lap-band program at Tufts and have started my pre-op diet. I need to loose 30lbs in 3 months before my surgury. I can deal with eating low-fat low-cal foods, but I need to get 30min of excercise a day. Walking on the treadmill kills my formerly blown-out knee. Has anyone with the same problems tried any types of machines such as indoor bikes or rowing machines or other machines that can get in the 30min of excercise that won't kill my knee. Any reccomendations of brands or trypes of machines would be greatly helpful as the New England winters are mighty cold and some indoor excercise at my home rather than a gym seems the best solution for me. …

I know it varies, and there is no rule or guideline other than "when you eat too fast" or "when you don't chew well." But from my readings here, it seems like it occurs a LOT more frequently than I would have thought. I know some people may do it daily and others may never do it, but how often do you do it - just on average? Once a day? Once a week? Month? As you can tell, I'm absolutely dreading this aspect of the band... (Sorry if this is a beaten horse, I searched but couldn't find any matches for frequency...)

I've got to admit, that the past few weeks, life has given me plenty of reasons not to exercise. I've submitted to it and made excuses for not showing up at the gym. My hubby, who usually says nothing to me about this kind of stuff, has even mentioned in passing my slackness lol .. not out of meanness, but because he knows I feel better when I've been to the gym. When I started losing weight after being banded and joined the gym, I walked to a near by fitness clothing shop. They have some absolutely amazing workout clothes in styles I'd never seen, but nothing to fit me. It was discouraging to say the least (don't get me started on how stupid it is to not offer work…

We have talked about this before... and I thought I was eating plenty of them since I have been eating what I want right now. Well, my lunch is a Campbell's Soup at Hand... only 130 calories! My Breakfast is a Protein shake with about the same... I seriously doubt that whatever I eat for supper will equal up to 800-900 calories? I am not a big calorie counter (brainwashed by the great Dr. Atkins) so what can I do to ADD some healthy calories? THANKS!

I love that show! It makes me cry watching how successful they were....except the one gal who didn't really lose that much. She wasn't smiling and happy like the rest. I was so pulling for Suzy but loved all three finalists. They look absolutely phenomenal and many of them weighed more than me when they started. Makes me want to jump on my treadmill!

can schedule your procedure? For instance can I have the procedure done as soon as this weekend? I want to try and get it done before the holidays. Thanks

Did any of you suffered of high blood pressure after the surgery? I never suffered from high blood pressure but after the surgery i noticed that my blood pressure went up. Is this normal? Did any of you have this problem? Banded 11/08/2005 286/264/150.

Hi everyone, How many of you are going to Dr. Kwon's Holiday Party? I am planning on going with my hubby.....I was just curious who else was going. I hear its going to be really nice.... Hope you guys can make it......Let me know.

I finally have a date for my surgery Dec 22nd and I am so excited:banana !!!

Hello all, I am scared to death. I just found out from Dr. Bertha that this persistent nighttime acid reflux is more than likely a slippage. I am going tomorrow to Morristown Radiology to have x rays and a swallow study done. I am so afraid of the possibility of losing my band. I know it sounds strange, but the band has changed my life completely, and I don't know what I would do without it. HELP!!

With all of the excitement on the board recently, I'm sure I'm not the only one out there who is re-dedicating themselves to "treating the band right". I have been guilty of the following sins against the band, and here is my confession: 1. I don't take my supplements regularly. 2. I have no idea if I'm getting enough Protein because I'm not keeping track. I suspect I'm only getting in around 35 grams/day. 3. I don't get in 8 glasses of Water a day. 4. I am eating few (if any) fruits and veggies, but always manage to find room for crap. 5. I'm not exercising. 6. I'm eating too quickly and beyond full to the point of pain at least once a day (not PB'ing, but…

Well, I went for my first fill today & the saline would not flow either direction! I then proceded with floroscopy and discovered that the tubing kinked just past the tapered part of the port. I will have to have the port surgically moved in order to get the kink out. My port is located on my left rib. This would only make sense that the potential for kinks would be high considering it is almost directly across from the band. I have never read anything about this happening to anyone else on the forum. The surgeon (from my home town) that worked attempting to give me a fill today places his ports below the band on the abdomen in order to avoid the tubing from potential…

This thread is possibly going to start controversy as that is NOT my intentions. My mother was kind enough to buy this book for everyone in our family - Kevin Trudeau's Natural Cures "They" Don't Want You To Know About. This is a truly SPECTACULAR READ! If you want to find out what the government, drug companies, and food industries are doing to aid in America's obesity epidemic and what you can do to become whole and healthy, please read this book. I'm trying to choose my words carefully as even in my everday life this book causes me controversy just from carrying it around with me. If you care about what your feeding yourself, and your children, and your family -…

Hey Ya'll, Haven't posted in a while or been to support group! Anyways, tdy i got my invite for Dr Kwon's Holiday Party..Who's going? and since it says black tie optional do we really have to get that dressed up? I mean i can wear a dress but i really don't want to get a Formal dress? What ya'll think??? Luv ya and miss ya! Kristen

Hi everyone. I haven't been around for a while due to band & personal problems, but I need to tell you all what's going on. All of the sudden, after weeks on a good fill, it got way too tight & I had to keep having my fills taken out. I had chest pain, top of the stomach pain too. Also, feeling that food kept getting stuck in my throat. Nothing helped the fills loosen up, not liquids, not anything. Since didn't want to go to Mexico from Long Island to get this all checked out, I coordinated w/Dr. Ortiz to get everyting checked here. His friend here Dr. Gabriel who's in NYC works with a gastroenterologist(sp?) My own doc is a gastro, but he doesn't know much abou…

I've just read the post from Jonathan about his slipped band and thought I'd let you all know about mine... I had an awful stomach ache a week ago so (after making many pestering phone calls to the doctor) I went to the hospital last Wednesday and had xrays done with barium. I can't actually make head nor tail of the pics myself but two surgeons looked at them and the radiographer and they've all reported a slipped band. I could see that the band had changed orientation since my last xrays in Feb 05. It used to sit diagonally but in the new xrays it's clearly horizontal. The doctor tried to show me that half of my stomach is above and the other half below but I couldn'…

Well I think... I hope I will be in Pueblo on Dec. 22 getting my port replaced.. I will hear back from Carla this week to make sure. I will be at Health South Surgery Center.. I hope it will only be a day surgery. But if Dr. Smith goes in to fix my Herina then I will be there over night. I cant wait to get this fixed..

Yea....I got to eat a muchie today. 2 oz of small curd cottage cheese 1 oz of baby food peaches. I'm not sure that I will get it all down. Was anyone else afraid to eat ? I am okay with the liquidy stuff. I sure don't want to spew after only 12 days.

Hello, My Name Is Lydia. I have a few questions... Can any one tell me If Dr. Spivak is good about helping you have the surgury if you self pay? What are the requirements for self pay? I know It's $15,000.00. D you have to have a down payment? And how much does one pay a month? Thanks:) weight 390.5 :eek I know right lol

Hi All; Well, I'm finally "in the system." I saw the Dr. yesterday and she's on board with me and my goal for wls. She told me I need to have documentation. Okay, I can handle that. Soooo, lilke the others here, I'll be going through that wonderful 6 month odyessy with weight watchers. The Dr. suggested them, and they are the cheapest I've found. This brings up a question. I understand WW provides the paperwork for us to track our weight, food points and all that stuff. Did anyone keep a separate journal to document your general health? I'm considering a daily journal every time I have a migrane, dizzyness, back problems, anything I can possibly relate to my weight.…

Hi everyone, CARMENTORRES sent me a PM asking me to post this for her since she doesn't know how to start a thread. Show her some LBT love, babies! hi i have not yet had my surgery but i am extremely nervous, i go in for my consult today from 4:30-7:30 i know that i have to do something and i have tried every diet and excercise program there is, with no success. i know that there are risks . but dont know what those are. if you know how to post this so everyone can see it, i would appreciate any feedback i can get from you and everyone, i am new to this site and do not know how to post a message for everyone to see.

I got the results of my sleep study. Although my apnea has worsened (mild to moderate) with the increased weight, it's still not bad enough for a CPAP. I do/did snore mild to loudly. I had no periodic limb movements; so my restless leg medication is doing it's job. The report did make the specific recommendation that I lose weight; so that should help my case. I faxed the report to Dr. Kuwada's office on Thursday. I spoke with Cathy Head, ANP last week, and she said they'd mail my information to the insurance once they received the results of the sleep study. So it should go out this week Let the waiting begin.... You can have my two front teeth, all I want for Chr…

and Protein? Today, according to Fitday, I've had: Total cals: 946 Protein: 44g Good? Bad? Too much/little? I know I should have these guidelines from my doc, but I have such a pile of paperwork from researching... I don't even know where to start. So if someone could please give me some guidelines, I'd appreciate it!

I am feeling like I may have to cancell my banding in December. I want to cry and scream.............. I suffer with severe migranes due to hormones every month so september 1st I had an operation that I was hopeing was going to practically make my periods stop. It's called a baloon obilation where they literally burn the inside of your uterus. Well to make a long story short it doesn't seem to have worked. I havent had a migrane since september and I thought things were ok until yesterday and I was hit with a bad one (I have it at this moment but not as severe as yesterday and last night). No migraine medicine works for me either so I have learned to literally suf…

I have to share my experience. I've had a problem getting motivated to excercise - I walk 2-3 times a week for 20-30 minutes but thats it. I did a lot of research for fat friendly excercises that wasn't too rigorous for a beginner like me. I have to give so much praise for this excercise DVD that I bought and did the first time the other day - now I can't wait to do it again! Its called JUST MY SIZE YOGA - and it is taught by a beautiful plus size lady named Megan. The moves are basic yoga so this is definately a beginner tape but I found my muscles to be pleasantly warm and tingling after the workout and an elevated heart rate - not the burning, aching muscles an…

Would like to get any information on the Surgical Weightloss Clinic. Is there anyone out there that has had the Lap Band Precedure done there, and if so what was theire experience like. I will be going to the group discussion next week and was just wondering what to expect. And what I might expect at the meeting and what are the next steps to getting the surgery time set.

I am haveing a really ahrd time finding a doctor willing to do fills on Mexico patients. If anyone knows of any doctors in these areas, please let me know! Thanks!

I have had heartburn and since October have been on Omeprazole. It worked immediately. I take it daily. The other day my prescription ran out so i thought I would give it a couple of days and see if I get it back. Boy oh Boy did I ever. The next morning when I woke up I couldnt get to the chemist fast enough. I will ask my Dr at my next app next year, he is off till end of January....but do you think that means these tablets will have to be taken for life or should I be on another tablet or what?? I know I read a few ppl had heartburn etc and after going on a tablet for a bit it went away...should I expect mine will go or only by taking a tablet daily? Thanks for advice…

Hi everyone! My name is Jan and I live in NJ close to the NYC area. On Dec. 21, 2005 I will be having surgery to get the Lap Band. I have gone back and forth with debating do I do it now or in the summer thinking I will lose alot of weight and not need it. However, I know that is not really what would happen. In fact, I might even gain more weight. The reason I finally decided on doing it now is because I got Diabetes type 2 about 2 yrs ago. I am on about 8 medications for various health issues. I am tired of feeling pain when I walk or get up out of a chair. I am only 47 but somedays because of the pain I feel so much older. It worries me that I won't be here for my boys…

Ok, before I got my 1st fill I was at the point where I could eat basically like normal and now that I have a fill it doesn't make a darn bit of diffrence. I am getting another fill on Thursday. Why can I eat so much? I ate a ton of food over thanksgiving! I feel like I'm in this eating frenzy and I'm depressed b/c of it. I have a band and yesterday I still could eat leftover turkey, dressing, potatoes, piece of pie, then I had pasta anc chicken for dinner and 2 bowls of ice cream! Help me! I'm sad - I haven't lost any weight since the 1st 2 weeks. I can eat a ton. i'm so sad! And on top of it all I'm worried that my pouch might be messed up or I'm slipped b/c I can eat s…

Hey all - I'm looking to expand my excercise DVD's beyond yoga & tai chi by adding something more aerobic - I'm wanting easy recommendations for some sort of sexy dancing. I'm hoping VINES will chime in here as I know she is an experienced belly dancer although belly dancing isn't what I'm looking for, but more so like some striptease or along those lines. I was thinking along the lines of the Carmen Electra's Aerobic Striptease? Anyone tried it - is it hard for a beginner? Did you like it? Please chime in and let me know what you've tried, what you liked about it and what you didn't - like I said I need something geared towards a beginner that wouldn't be too comp…

With the recent onset of bandsters discovering erosion, I'm both worried and curious to know which bands we've been losing. Are they a combination of types or any particular type? When I researched pre-banding, I chose mine because it seemed at the time to have less problems with slippage and because it's totally soft and pliable, less erosion issues. I'm wondering if the test of time will uphold this information. I'd like to see if the stats show a problem with the surgeon/surgery i.e. having it done in Mexico, or the type of band itself, regardless of who placed it.

I AM NEW TO THIS LAPBAND SURGERY . I AM THINKING ABOUT HAVING IT DONE. AND I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS CONCERNING IT AND FOUND THIS SITE. WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IS WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU HAVE LOST ALL YOUR WEIGHT. DO YOU HAVE TO HAVE ANOTHER SURGERY TO HAVE ALL THE EXTRA FAT REMOVED? WHAT KINDS OF PROBLEMS ARE ANYONE HAVING, AFTER SURGERY,IF ANY? WHAT OR HOW DO YOU FIGURE ON MEALS OR FOOD INTAKE ON A DAILY BASES? DO YOU OR ARE YOU GIVEN A STRUCTURED PLAIN TO GO BY? IS THERE A WEIGHT THAT THEY WON'T OPERATE ON ? WELL THAT'S ENOUGH FOR NOW. I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE, THAT COULD HELP. I AM KIND OF NERVOUS ABOUT HAVING THIS DONE. AND I DON'T KNOW ANY…

Hello, I am scheduled to have lapband surgery on Dec 13. I willbe using Dr. Holzman. Has anyone been done at Vandy?. Any words of advice? I am excited and a little nrevous. I have been overweight my whole life and am not sure what to do. I want so badly to do everything right. Any thoughts or advice will be greatly appricated. Tammy

Hi, I just had my first fill yesterday (Thursday 11-10-05) and my doc has me do liquids for 2 days, mushies for 2 etc. I am having no issues at all swallowing, Soup, cocoa, Water is going down without any issues. However I HURT, my insides hurt, similiar to how they hurt 7-10 days after my surgery. My husband thinks I've pissed my tummy off by having the fill, and my doctor confirmed that I might have "pain for a few days" after the 1st fill. Has any one else had this? I feel like I'm having a gaint tummy cramp that just won't go away. Any ideas? any hints? I took my really good pain meds from post-surgery last night and might do it again tonight - but obviously …

Being new to this I cannot decide whether this tight feeling in the morning is part of the healing process or if its restriction even though the band is empty. Either way what helps it loosen up?

Hey Kids, I just wanted to post something to remind y'all of the power of the mind. I know that folks are worried because we have had several of our dear friends having really bad issues with their band. So naturally, we think, what if I'm next? What if? What if? What if? The mind is powerful. If you look for something, you will find it. The power of the mind/body link is not completely known, but it is there. I might have a leak, but then again, I might just have had someone doing my fills who actually let out my fill. That is what I am planning on, I am planning for the best. I am expecting the best. I used to have a job I completely and totally hated. H-A-T-E…

Get your family involved in your weight loss goal's its easyer to stay focused.. fun spending time with your family. And every one is getting healthy. Take care keep the weight loss fight up!

After doing that artticle on "Starvation" I' found my self running scared! "It was the first time in almost a year that I' Gained weight three pound's it don't seem like a lot but to me it has been great deal. Like ("Im losing ground.) So "I am back to 1000/1200 calorie's aday I have been doing 1500/2000 with out not much exercise Due to back, knee problem's. I found the Quest to lose the last ten pound's " now thirteen" has been the most Difficult! After losing all this weight... .... ... ....115 pound's ...................... "I almost Gave up! Because of this mental block I REALLY HIT THE WALL..........Hard. Can't go forward only backward. all do to som…

After my surgery, my doctors gave me a wallet card that explains that I have a Lap-Band and my food intake is restricted. Being a closet bandster, I really didn't think I would ever use the card. But while in Lake Tahoe on Thanksgiving Day, my husband really wanted turkey and the works, and there was a Thanksgiving buffet at our hotel. I am really restricted right now and I don't have much interest in food these days, so I was not concerned about being in a buffet style restaurant. But there was no way I was going to pay $17 to eat when I am lucky to get 1/2 a cup of food down!! So I asked for the manager, and showed him my card. TO MY SHOCK AND SURPRISE, he said he…

Has anyone out there been denied the first time then approved after the second try? I am so nervous I cant stand it. I hope to find somthing out by tomorrow. I have done all my tests and this is the only thing holding me back. I can sleep because this is so heavy on my mind. :straight I am trying to be positive. kguill73

I lost 7lbs since my last fill. I was frustrated because I had not lost much weight for a month, and then bammmm It came off. 7lbs in 7 days. Thank you all for those that gave me tips to jump start my loss, it really worked. I have a 10CC Vanguard bands and I am at 7.5cc and have great restriction now. I really feel like I'm learning to use my band and eat smaller portions of food. It has been 3 1/2 months since my surgury and I have lost almost 40lbs. For all those that have been impateint with your weight loss, hang in their because once you get the proper resriction you will loose weight. Although their have been days I have been frusterated and even wondered i…