LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

So here's the question of the day.... Who has tried to carry around the amount of weight you lost for a couple of hours? I have now lost 50 pounds and I got out the weight set the other day and tried to carry around 50 pounds for as long as I could.... That was not easy. I am going to try to do that with every 10 that i loose...Just to give me a little reality check....My body is going to be sooo happy to not be carring around all that extra. Just wondering who else on here is as weird as me?? haha

I am so excited! I finally made it under 300! First time in over 20 years!! What a milestone!!! I love my band!!!!

I'm in the process of getting insurance approval. Dr. H's office should get all my stuff tomorrow and submit to Blue Cross/Blue Shield on Monday. Has anyone else used Dr. H?

Hi All, Just wanted to say Hi! I am back to work today and my husband is still gone. Taking one day at a time. I would like to thank everyone for their support. It really helps me get through the rough times. Now for my question.... I have been having pain under and below my left breat after I eat. What am I doing. I must admit I have been eating more than usual. But, It even happens when I eat a little. They almost feel like spasms. What can it be? Have you ever experienced this? I am going to the dr tomorrow and not looking forward to getting weighed because I think I may have done some scale damage for the last 2 weeks. I have turned to food as a comfort since my…

I am wondering how soon people get their first fill. My doctor said I could get my first fill Monday, and that will be 3 days shy of 5 weeks for me. I have been back at work since 7 days after banding and have felt great. However, I have no restriction at all right now...I can eat brisket, breads, rice, chicken, etc... However, I thought 6 weeks was the soonest for the first fill. Would that week really make no difference? or should I wait? I absolutely trust my doctor, I am just curious if anyone else got their first fill at 5 weeks.

Starvation I have been looking this up. It's hard to find information on starvation that isn't given relating to eating disorders, and I want more than just that one branch of opinion. http://jaoii.lunarpages.com/bar.gif One article on POWs in Japan said they were on a "near-starvation diet of 700 calories per day". Most sources will agree that this is most definitely within actual starvation range. A diet article said that "to avoid triggering the starvation-adaptation response, you should consume at least 1,200 Calories per day if you’re a woman and 1,600 Calories if you’re a man." I think, though, that they were more concerned with the metabolism's slowing-d…

I am finished with my Thanksgiving and I feel like such a loser! And not in a good way. I feel like I completely over ate. I was banded on 11-1-05 and I am yet to have my first fill. I feel like I could still eat as much as I did before. (I didnt eat as much but definitely more than half a cup!) Have I ruined everything, or is there still hope? Hopefullythin

I need miracle weightloss-this is too slow for me but good news is I am losing and not gaining and I got a membership to a new gym-Lifetime Fitness-which I love-this is a great gym to go to-they have lots of good stuff to do and I dont feel like Im working out with skinny people only like I did with 24hr fitness.I felt like crap and rarely went to 24hr plus half their damn stuff isnt 24hr anyway-pfft. I have currently lost 46 pounds since surgery and 64 since weightloss camp summer of 2004

Hello Turtles! This is the official thread to track our NSV Challenge! We had talked about creating a challenge, but I never got around to starting the thread for the challenge. ... Doh! I blame it on midterms... Okay, the Challenge is that each week we recognize at least one new NSV. To get the ball rolling, here are my NSVs for the week: 10/27/05 I am offically no longer Morbidly Obese, but simply Obese. Today my BMI is 39.6, so I might not even qualify for the surgery, if not for my co-morbidities, which are all under control. My second NSV for the day is that I have been invited to dance professionally at a Greek restaurant here in town. It will be…

Hey everyone. I had a quick question. I've been researching the lap band procedure for over a year now and think it would really help me with my constant fight against weight, my sleep apnea, my being a diabetic, etc. That being said, my folks are helping me out with the surgery bill seeing how our insurance said no off the bat and I'm rather kean on getting the surgery asap, due to my mounting health problems. (I'm six foot four and 315, have been as high as 360.) My parents are leaning towards me getting the non-adjustable procedure done with a Dr. Orias in Houston,TX. (I live in San Antonio.) From what I understand, with the non-adjustable band you are only allowed to …

Hi everyone, Hope all of your holidays are happy and healthy. I've been so busy I haven't been around. The last time I posted I was telling you guys how I felt so restricted even without a fill. Well I got my first fill in early November and for a couple of days, maybe even a week or so, it was good but now I feel like I have no restriction at all!!!! How I came full circle I don't know. I was supposed to go back in December for my second fill but I moved it up to this Tuesday. My doc told me I may not feel restriction with the first one and his reason was because I am considered a "light weight." Ha ha. I think that's so funny. My whole life I was always the heavy gir…

I had my step daughters 18th last weekend and decided to do entree type things before the main. I gave your egg muffins a go with egg bacon and cheese. Took me all of 10 mins to make and they were an absolute HIT!!!! I didnt make enough, people wanted the recipe and were praising my fine cooking skills. Hehe I took it all in and told them it was from years of practise lol . I just wanted to thank you for the recipe they are quick easy and yummmmmy.

Ok, time to hear from you longtime bansters! How did/are you going to handle Thanksgiving? I relish (mmm...that sounds good too!) the thought of putting turkey in the food processor just to eat it. How did you handle it? What about stuffing? Do I just add the two plus lots of gravy to the food processor and make a shake out of it (ok, that is way too gross to do!!)? Help us out!!!

Did anybody catch the report on 20/20 tonight about the Gastric Pace Maker??? Sounded pretty interesting, it goes to the FDA for approval early next year. The entire program was about different ways people have lost weight. Lapband was not even in the program. Too sad, just another choice that someone may never find out about.... Here is a link for the GP article... http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=5086

Hello, I had GBP surgery in 1998 & ended up having a revision due to a blockage. I am now thinking of having the lap band but want to know is there any one out there that has had this done, if so how are you doing & what Dr. did your surgery? Any info will help.

For any of those of you who are covered with Medicare or Medicaid as you insurance carriers, you need to know about a decision they are in the process of making regarding their coverage of bariatric surgeries. At the moment, they are seriously considering approving both the RNY and the lap band surgeries for people with at least one comorbity under the age of 65. However the site I will give you the information for is their site for people to make comments on how they feel about this. The hearing was done on the 23'd of November and there is a short window in which they are accepting comments. You can also access the comments by others, so prepare to put on your boxi…

Have been dealing with this every night when I lay down; acid starts to fill my pouch and back up into my throat. I then have to vomit, then I can go to sleep. This has been happening for about two weeks, and I need to see my doctor. Anyone ever had this problem?

How long do people wait to drink before eating and also after eating I have heard so many conflicting info what is everyone doing in regards to this thanks

My surgeon was kind of non commital on this, because I've got a BMI of 35 and my blood pressure and cholesterol are fine. But I had all my preop appointments, with the respiratory surgeon, gp and dietician on Friday and all expressed surprise that I wasnt starting it that day (14 days pre op) so did both the nurses that did all the measuring and weighing. So I rang his rooms and got his secretary and there was nothing on my file but she said to start just in case and she'd have him ring me Monday as he was in surgery. So I started lunchtime Friday, its now Sunday here. I'm not hungry really, its easy from that point of view - 3 shakes a day, a piece of fruit and 2 cups …

Okay...I had my band put on the 17th. I have lost 20 lbs. My clothes are starting to loosen on me. My problem is my tummy. When will the swelling go down? When does the port stop hurting when I wear jeans? Is anyone else having this problem?

I was thinking I would luck out and never have a PB. Well that came to a screeching halt this morning. I stopped at a local convenience store this morning after work and bought a breakfast sandwich. (English muffin, egg, sausage, cheese.) I work the over night shift and was on my way home. I waited till I got home to warm it up and eat it. Needless to say after two well chewed bites I started to have that pressure. Then the hiccups, sweating and that ugh feeling. Then I belched, some relief...okay I am over it, slow down Pam you will be okay,........then it all came back up. Not as nice when it went down. So our dog got the rest and I was done. No other food problems toda…

I read a lot here about 'erosion' and wonder if you could explain it to me and the dangers. Obviously it seems to be something serious and of concern to a lot of you. Is it something you can die from if left untreated? Does it require another surgery and removal of the band? Does the stomach require surgery? I understand the risk is that only 3% or less have the problem, but perhaps there aren't enough years of study available to really say what the long time percentage would be? Brian

Have been dealing with this every night when I lay down; acid starts to fill my pouch and back up into my throat. I then have to vomit, then I can go to sleep. This has been happening for about two weeks, and I need to see my doctor. Anyone ever had this problem?

Hello All, Just wanted to let you all know I am out of town due to my Grandmother passing away. I will be back this Friday after Thanksgiving. It has been hard but I am making it. I will keep in touch as I can. TTYS! Angie

Does anyone know of a pocket nutrition calculater/food journal - I guess I'm thinking along the lines of an electronic day planner (like a Palm Pilot) but its used for tracking your food & calories etc. and I'm looking for one you can personalize by putting your own foods in. Anyone know of anything to buy on the net? I'm not having any luck with what I'm looking for, but I was thinking surely with todays technology and health fanatics that something like this would exist!! I have realized I like logging my food because it makes me conscious of what I eat, but I log it online at www.kraftfoods.com where they have an interactive nutrition diary that gives you eve…

Can you belive the diffrence in them. I taped it for I hope it will inspire when I get lazy.I want one of those cut out pictures so I can see how fat I was before. Stand it in front of the fridge.Would not look nice there but maybe it would help keep me out of it. Ladysplenda

Hi, I am Kelly and in Knoxville, TN. I am new to researching the lap band and had a few questions. The first doctor to respond to my questions said my BMI was too low (36.8) and I would not qualify without other health issues. Can anyone tell me what the other issues are? I have chronic lower back pain that is made much worse by my weight (I am 5'4" and 212) This is personal, but it hurts to sit down to use the restroom on most days :-( I do have pretty high cholesteral, but my bood pressure is actually quite good. For the first time, I am not so happy about my general good health. I feel safe here because I think I can say this without being mis-understood. I re…

Well, I am 4 months out now and have never had any problems until now. I have started to have tremendous pain right between my breast and upper chest when I eat anything. Even drink things like tea or milk. I had a fill over a month ago and didn't experience these complications until now. I haven't been able to eat much at all. As a matter of fact I have lost between 10 to 15 lbs in the last couple of weeks, which in itself is exciting, but I don't want to mess this up. I want to make sure it is done correctly. Any suggestions from you veterans or anyone else who has had similiar complications?

Help everyone, I'm Coco and I was banded in Mexico two weeks ago. I had surgery on Friday and by Wednessday I felt so starved that I began eating solid foods. I have eaten solid foods for about a week. I felt a little gassy and tight but I didn't throw up. I only loss about 6 lbs. I contacted my doctor and he told me to go back to mushy foods for the next two weeks. I feel like such a failing idiot!!! How could I go through so much, not to mention spend so much money and still be eating? Has anyone ever experienced this or am I the only nut-case? On a brighter note, I did go back to mushy foods today and my goodness was it difficult! I have vowed to stay on them for t…

Monday night on Fox news at 9:00 PM there will be a special segment called..."Dying to be thin". It is about the gastric bypass surgery. I think I will watch this....to reassure myself that I did the right thing getting banded.

Thanks for all the comments and well-wishes! I am kinda bummed out - I really don't feel much restriction, but I am telling myself that this is a slow process that with time and patience, I will acheive the perfect fit. I was glad to hear there can be a big difference between 2cc and 2.2 ccs!! How long do y'all think I should wait before going back? He said 6-8 weeks when I was there - but now, since I do not have much restriction I would like to go sooner.

I just got off the phone with the Dr on call, I have been having diarrhea for 48 hours with no change with imodium, correct liquids. I am told to take acidolophis, and if not better to go in for infection test on Monday. this concerns me. I had a hernis repair, gallbladder removed and was banded on Tues. I am wondering if this is something I should be more concerned about. I do have a total knee replacement, so when I hear possible infection this is scary. Anything that had to wait if it may not be going well, I question.I have had watery diarrhea constantly since the first time my bowels started working thursday afternoon. My lapband wa done on Tues morning. The Dr. h…

Hi . I just had my first fill Nov 7th . I can feel the restriction and I am just wondering what some of you eat in a days time . I know I am not eating nothing like I did but some days I feel like I have eaten to much ? I ask my hubby " do you think I ate alot ?" and he says no but I think he is afraid to say yes . I am just wondering what is in the day of a bandster am I normal or am I eating to much or am I just paranoid . I know I should eat slower but that is hard , I am trying tho . Thanks for any help .

Have anyone lost alot of stomach (belly) and now have a stomach without having surgery. I noticed my sides or caving in a little bit making me have a lil curve and my stomach is going down. I just wondering will this kangaroo pouch always be apart of my life.

I am going to post this in the Oklahoma site as well, but my husband and I are facing a possible move to Tulsa, Oklahoma and my doctor is in Houston, Texas. Anyone have any ideas of any doctors in Oklahoma that I can use for a fill? I absolutely love Spivak so I may just make the drive when needed to pay him a visity. It would be well worth it.

I am so excited! I went out to dinner with a large group of people and was COMPLETELY satisfied with a few bites of soup. It was VERY good and I enjoyed myself alot. Normally I would have been having the cheese sticks, and steak and a baked potato, and probably ordered desert because everyone else was having desert! My scales haven't moved for a week (and i'm on full liquid) but it still felt really great. Almost as if I know that even though I don't appear to be dropping weight I know it will come in time. The best part about it was that I did not feel as if I was missing out on anything! I was happy with what I had, before I feared that I would be looking at the st…

I was banded on th 17th and and healing quickly. I still have weak spells because I haven't got an appetite. Here is what I had to eat today: 2 oz of crangrape light 2.5 oz go-gurt 3 oz of protein powder in soy milk 1 1/2 oz of chocolate sf pudding 25 oz of water 2 chewable vitamins Does that sound like enough food?

One night during my vacation it was very chilly outside and I hadn't brought along a coat, only a zip up sweater that was being laundered at the moment. My husband brought along two jackets, a lightweight one and a heavier leather one. He saw that I was freezing, and knew that I didn't have a jacket with me so he suggested that I wear his (size XL men's jacket). I told him that I was fine (because I didn't want to be embarrassed putting on his jacket only to find out that it was too tight). Finally though, I couldn't take the cold any longer and I gave in. Not expecting it to fit, I slipped my arms in, and not only did the jacket slide right on, but there was room to zip …

I know I am! And I *think* some of you are too. Maybe we can keep this thread going and share info, answers we get, local resources, etc.? Online support is one thing but it's a little "closer to home" when people are... well, closer to home. I'm in the northeast area of Kansas City, about halfway between Worlds of Fun and KCI... very close to Liberty. Where are you guys at?

Hi Everyone, I can't believe it....the day after Thanksgiving and I am down -50 pounds!!!! I am so excited and feel so good I could scream....thanks to everyone on this board for your wonderful support. Can't wait for the next -50 pounds!!!

I am getting the ball rolling. Had my first consult today and was amazed to find out that I was NOT morbidly obese........I am SUPER obese , which it seems is beyond .That was great to hear .My ins., Anthem, has a BMI range that you have to fit into for them to cover the band. So before I can get surgery to lose weight.........I have to lose weight.The more things change the more they stay the same. Jeff

Hubby bought a bottle of wine, and I figured a very small glass wouldn't hurt me. I'm day 9 post-op. What do you guys think?

I was wondering if anyone knows if there doctor puts a stitch in there band? My Doctor says he always puts one stitch to hold it in place. He said he also places the band higher up on the stoma because he feels the slippage is less? Has anyone heard of this? Tootarts

Having really been paying attention but has something major occured in reagards to the band that we should know about.???? Let me know

So I got my 5th fill 2 days before Thanksgiving...stayed on protein shakes for 2 days..last nite had left over turkey grinded with gravy for lube and was fine....about 10pm watching a movie..I had some popcorn and was fine!! or so I thought ..I went to sleep and about 3am I was awoken to pressure in my chest when I breath in...still have it at 10am...Now should i take Nexium (isit heartburn) orshould i take liquid tylenol for pain...I think definitly back to liquids...Is it too tight now or just wrong food choice..Cindy

Before, I never gave much thought to the NSV's that everyone talks about. But before, I was enjoying consistent genuine scale victories, so I wasn't in tuned with the importance of a NSV! Well, I have kinda hit a wall at losing the pounds,but my recent NSV has giving me positive reinforcement to my whole Lapband experience! My job requires a yearly check up that includes: eyesight, hearing and blood pressure. Last year my blood presure was 164/94. The nurse made me lay down to see if my BP would drop a little before she would allow me to get back to work. It only dropped very little, but I had to agree to get it checked by my PCP. Well today I had my annual physical an…

I've got 5 incisions...which one of those is where my port is? Anyone know?

Hi All, Just a quick mile marker to let you know that my first 6 months since becoming a bandster are up. Apparently, a slow learner, it took me quite a while to quit rebelling against my band, and just get with the program. Today, I am down 41 pounds, which is half way to my goal of a 30 BMI. During this time, I have learned to listen to my body, to be aware of the food that I put in my mouth and when, and to replace "stuffing my problems" during times of stress with talking to my family or going for a walk with my dog. My Dr. (Alldredge) in SLC, and his trusty staff, headed by fellow Bandster and Fill-expert, Vivian, have created the most amazing team, and without the…

I thought I remember a post about a yoga dvd someone liked that was for beginners. I can't find the post - if you know will you tell me the name of it - I wanted to order it. Thanks, nancy

Hi, I'm Kim and I've been here reading a posting for a little while...will be banded on 12-16-05 and after reading the posts about the slips and erosions, I must admit I'm scared and having second thoughts. I want to be in this for the long haul...I am self-pay and do not have an endless supply of money for all the tests or for further surgery should some of these things go wrong. Is there anyone that's had the band long-term without any problems? What are the statistics from the other countries that have been placing the band for 10-plus years? What happens 10 years down the road? Surely there must be more information available. I know the techniques are understand…