LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

OK - I've learned my lesson!!! Had my blender version of Thanksgiving dinner - no problem. Even had a few small bites of well chewed turkey. As I am leaving for work (work graveyard) I thought I would take a few bites of turkey followed with a tiny bit of cranberry - in a hurry of course. Wrong, wrong, wrong! Oh the pain! PB once at home, two times on the way to work - thankfully I had a cup available. I promise ... won't happen again. Ugh!

Hi all has anyone ever heard of pemphigus. Well it what I have. Awful peeling of my gums. This was brought out from the stress of my lap surgery. Prendizone is the treatment and ammune supressing drugs. I will be devestated if all my hard work of losing weight will be all in vain because prendizone will cause me to gain weight and get all bloated. And how will these drugs affect my band I called my dr. but he didn't call back. Not taking these drugs is not a choice because this is a skin disease causing blisters and mouth sores and other compications. I'm told its very rare. I hope someone hear has some insight you guys seem to know alot. Need alittle sup…

Someone did a post back in May 2005 about a clothing exchange. Does anyone know of one in the Dallas area?

I've been working really hard over the past month or two - my current rotation includes Leslie Sansone on the rebounder with handweights - you can really UP the intensity of the workout, some spinning, deep Water running classes, and swimming laps, probably a good hour of exercise six days a week. I'm doing ab work and a lot of stretching on the floor in front of the telly at night. I've made great gains in fitness and affected my blood chemistry quite positively over a 3 month period. Now I'm sad I'm having surgery and will have to disrupt it all :think Plus I have to have laser refractive surgery on each of my eyes in January and February, that will cause a week's …

Hi Kim! I hope you had a good Thanksgiving?

I love to go to garage sales,yard sales,estate sales. I am in a size 22 jeans.I found jeans size 20 to 14 name brand I cannot even imagine myself in a 14. BUT I GOT THEM.They look so small. Is is really possible???Can I possibly dream to be even smaller.I have been fat all my life. I hit the jackpot today. Now if I can just get in them. I even bought two pairs of size 7 Rocky Mountain Blues for a dollar a piece.I can dream cant I.Im dreaming big. Surgery date Nov 30th.

Cindy, Happy Birthday

I had my surgery 8 days ago. I still have no appetite. It is all I can do to get my Water and Protein w/ soy milk down. I still have some port pain and the gas is making me crazy. I am drinking with a straw as prescribed, slowly. I am dropping since my surgery on the 17th I have lost 8 lbs. Should I just go with the flow and be thankfull when it comes to a screeching halt?

I am new to the forum. I just had my surgery last week in monterrey and am feeling ok except for the terrible shoulder pain. any suggestions

Hello to all, Had surgery on tues morning and returned home last evening home. I started experiencing severe diarrhea this morning and it has gotten so bad I need to change something or take something. I was taking Gas X and stopped. I took Benydral for I had severe itching with pain meds, Only took once today. I have been on protein drinks, just liquids, and cannot stop the pouring. I decided to stop the soy protein drinks, just to see if anything helped. It may still be take a while to see any difference.i do not have any imodium, but thought i'd put this out there for any information you all might have or a suggestion. I am getting plenty of water, I got some gatorai…

I'm male, 64 and 390 lbs on a 5ft 8in frame. Diets never worked long term for me. I have to have my gallbladder out and the doc said he does lapband and I could have them both done at the same time. Rather than jumping in with both feet I decided it best to study the lapband and that has delayed my gallbladder surgery. The doc said he'd do just the gallbladder if I wanted. My GP thinks I should go for both at once. I've looked at the Yahoo groups and they are mostly positive and I pretty well decided to go ahead. But I'm having problems coming to terms with 'can I do it' and 'do I want to do it?' I've recently read that Medicare is not going to support any 'o…

BUT i've been on liquids for a week, can feel myself being hungry, am hungry and haven't dropped a pound in a week! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Hello everybody! I am officially banded and minus a gallbladder. I don't seem to feel like they took anything though. I am sore and the gas is s-l-o-w-l-y leaving me. Lets just say I put my husband to shame in the "fart game" Ha ha! I think the worst part is the post op pain. Thanks for all your support and I'll be in touch. Schel

I am scheduled to have my first fill in a few days (I will be 1 month out of surgery). However, I am still not able to get much food down, only about 1 cup to 1 1/2 cup of food a day, about 4 ounces at a time (if that!) I'm thinking that if I get a fill, I will probably be able to get only a few bites of food a day, let alone water, and this really freaks me out. Is there anyone out there who just never needed a fill or did not need one for a long time? Also, how do I let my dr. know without being to pushy or bossy about it? Any comments would be appreciated. thanx

My doctors office allowed me to have Thanksgiving and start my liquid diet today, the day after. Can I only have broth and popsicles? Or can I eat some Tomato Soup or something? Also, WHY do you have to do a liquid diet BEFORE anyway? What's the purpose? I am scared about getting nasceus after the surgery! I have THE most sensitive stomach! ANY suggestions about how to prevent that? HELP!

I know that not many of you know me yet on LBT and I have been missing in action, but I have some information to share that may be helpful to new and future bandsters. Some of you know that I have been sick with pneumonia; however, instead of getting better, it got worse and I have been in the hospital for about 3 1/2 days (got home last night). The doctor is not blaming my band but reminded me that just entering a hospital (that are filled with germs) and opening up your airway during general anesthesia is like an open highway to your lungs. I did everything they told me to after surgery, used my "breathing machine" regularly, started walking the neighborhood about da…

Hello! I have some questions on post op pain medications. I am taking percocet and side effects are constipation. I tried plain tylenol liquid.... YUK!!!! and it did nothing. Has anyone tried childrens ibuprofen? Is this safe? Ibuprofen has always helped me more than tylenol, and does not effect constipation. Any suggestions? Thanks! Schel

Hi All, Guess who, a blast from the past. Please forgive me, it's been about a month since my last post when my husband and I were crusing to Bermuda. The Cruise was the Best ever! I have a lot to be Grateful for Today...3 years Cancer Free this past September, and an official -40lb weight lost in 8 months. My blood pressure is well below normal, I take 1/2 the medications I use to take, and working out 5 times a week for 30 minutes. My weight lost is slow BUT I am heading in the right direction. I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

Does the title tell you anything. This is my first banded Thanksgiving and I have a plan. I normally cook for Thanksgiving but I wasn't going to this year so I don't hurt myself...pb...pb...pb. Anyhow, watching the food Network channel has gotten me excited again so I am going to cook. I think I really like cooking. I don't think I LOVE cooking but I know I reallly like it. I really like to prepare fast meals like 30 minute meals or 1 pot meals. My menu Turkey (which I will probably enjoy once I make turkey salad or soup) Mac/Cheese (prepared with low fat cheeses) Mashed Potato (becuase it is Thanksgiving) Greens (because it is the freshest vegetabl…

Today for Thanksgiving dinner I had about 2 tablespoons of mashed taters, a small helping of green Beans and a small helping of turkey. That's it. No rolls, no pie, no stuffing, just the basics. And I didn't feel deprived! I sat there a looked at my plate that didn't have hardly any food on it and I realized that I was ok with my small amounts of food. Maybe deep down I was mourning a bit but it was so nice not to be stuffed to the point of wanting to puke like I usually do at thanksgiving. Last year eating that small of amount of food would have devastated me but this year it was so freeing. I was so happy and so proud of the progress that I have made, slow as it may b…

Well it is official..I had an endo yesterday and my band has eroded. I eroded between July 17th when I had my last fill and Nov 21 yesterday when I had my endo. Having my band removed Monday Nov 28th. Listen up my friends..I do not want sympathy. I have come to terms with this. I am at peace. I cried when I got home but after a good cry I realized how lucky I have been..I am so grateful for the 104 lbs I have lost with my band. I lost more then 60% of my weight with the band unlike the statistics claim . I used my head an did not rely on my band for all of it. I had only 1.5 cc's in my band I did alot of it on my own. My band did it's job, now it is time for me to walk …

HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!! Hope you have a wonderful day. :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana

Hey all... I cannot hold this in any longer. My husband left me 4 weeks ago and I am in my own personal hell. We have been together for 10 years, Married for 6 1/2 and have 2 beautiful girls. Sure we have had our normal couple problems but for him to up and leave me!!! I was completely blind sided. At first he said he would go to counseling but now he won't even go. I just need advice and support. I have been eating everything I can get my hands on this week and I need to get control. I am down 47 lbs and do not want to take a step backwards. I think I deserve an explanation from him and he won't even do that. He just blaims EVERYTHING on me. Please help!!! Love Al…

Is there a site or anything that you have come across that tell statistics for lap band problems?

I have been banded now for 2 weeks and I have pain around my port incision. This may sound crazy but I was shaving my legs and when I was bent over I think I pinched my port between my fat roll and I got a horid sharp pain and it hasn't gone away for 3 days now. The pain is just below and to the right of the incision. It hurts to laugh and to get in and out of the car. Is it possible I ripped a muscle or popped a stitch? How long did everyone elses pain last?

I'm thrilled! I've lost 20 lbs in 18 days (9 days pre-surgery/9 days post-op). I'm already scheduled for a fill on Dec 28th and I can move from blender to soft foods in two weeks! Another 20 lbs off will take me to a weight lower than what I was when I met my husband over 12 years ago - I'm so excited!!!! I know the honeymoon will be over soon and the weight loss will slow down, but what a great running start. I'm happy that I have made this decision. I feel for everyone that is having problems and wish you all the best. Yes, the band has it's risks, but look at the great advantages! Thanks for this site and for all of the great people that make it what it is!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

When I first started thinking about the lap band, I thought I knew how hard the surgery would be since I had had a gall bladder surgery a few years before. Wow, I had the surgery on Thursday and was back at work on Monday. I was in surgery only 30 minutes and at home four hours latter. I was able to eat a little bit of Soup, drink Water with no problem. Friday, I was up and about most all day (at home). Saturday same thing. Sunday went out for a drive. Monday at work. I'm just now getting off liquids and it hasn't been hard. I've lost 14 pounds in the two weeks. I know this will slow down. I also know there will be some very hard times. But I am going to enjoy this while …

Didn't know if anyone was in this area but I wanted to post it just in case. ******************************************************* NEXT MEETING: Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 7:00 pm at the East Hills Library, 502 N Woodbine, St Joseph, MO (southeast corner of the East Hills Mall parking lot) in the Theatre Room (downstairs) Everyone is invited. Just thought we'd try a Thursday night to see if we get a better response..

Hi folks. It's me again with another newbie question. I am a grazer. I munch before meals. While do I eat full meals I still continue to graze after meals. Will I feel so full that I won't be able to eat more? If I do graze will I burst the band? Thanks in advance Bruce

Hi all - I'm hoping someone can help with this question. I have a small/minor hiatial hernia - I've read that this doesn't mean I can't have the band, but simply they will likely repair the hernia when they place the band. So I have two questions - first, has anyone else had this condition, and what were your experiences with repair. Second, does the hernia repair add to the recovery time needed (will I be out from work longer, for example)? Thanks for any help anyone can provide!

I was banded in Mexico and would like to know if anyone knows any Doctors in the Atlanta area that will provide fills at a reasonable cost. I've found several Doctors that require upfront money in the range of $1500-$2000 which to me is excessive. Any leads would be greatly appreciated.

I saw Dr. Bauman yesterday and really liked him. I only lack my upper GI- which I do tomorrow- and my nutritionist appt. He said they would do their very best to help me before my insurance stops covering. So....we'll see.

I should know this, but do not. I've never had surgery before but understand there are always associated risks such as infection, rejection, allergic reactions, etc. I also understand that some of the people who seek this surgery have delicate physical conditions that put them at higher risk for complications and/or mortality during the operation (heart problems, blood issues, etc.) I read so much about the risks of surgery, and the minor risks are obvious. I tend to associate major risks (e.g. death) with people who are not in good shape or have pre-existing conditions... even though I know there have been healthy people go under who they cannot revive. Are there a…

Okay ladies and gents, you asked for it, a Fall Weight Loss Challenge. How it works: This challenge will be for a 10 week period, starting today, September 5th and ending Monday, November 14th (just in time for all that Turkey and other goodies on Thanksgiving). Everyone is welcome to participate. 1. Make a weight loss goal for the 10 week period. 2. Post your start weight as of the day you join the challenge. 3. Post a photo of yourself at your weight as of the date you start the challenge. 4. Weigh in each Monday and post your progress here. 5. At the end of the 10 weeks post an after photo of yourself so we can all join in seeing and celebrating your accomp…

We have had some real bummers lately here on the board....eroded bands, slippage, removal of the band, etc. I AM HERE TO TELL YOU SOME GREAT NEWS and it's all due to my lap band!!!! Tonight my husband and I went to dinner at Outback Steakhouse....well, I can't eat all that steak, salad and potato...so, I said, "want to share"? Now this is a guy who could normally eat a side of beef himself!!! He said YES.....he said that since I am eating so much less he has come to realize the portions he is consuming are huge!!! It was great....we were both full, happy and had more money in our wallet then if we had purchased two meals. There was no upcharge for sharing which was …

I am thankful for all that is good in people, for my family and my friends and I am thankful for my health. This time last year I was 246 pounds, my blood pressure hovered at 150 over 100 even with a high dose of BP meds. I was lathargic at best and overly happy to compensate for the pain inside. All I wanted to do was to eat, sneak a way to eat more and eat!!!!!!! This year, I have to say the food part of today sounds yummy but not all consuming. The people around me are not in the backseat to food this year (that sounds aweful) I have found a peace inside of me. A pride inmyself that was long buried. Whereever you are on your journey - I pray for you today to…

I hope she is able to post here soon. (Unless she already did and I missed it. But I'm doing the pre-op crazies right now, so...)

Hi fellow bandsters, I dont know if any of you remembers me but I am always posting about getting filled and still having little restriction. My first fill was 4.5 cc in a VG band I felt restriction for maybe a week but not enough restriction. I went back and Dr Holsaeter went to pull out the 4.5 cc to put in more and could only get 2 cc back so he put in 5.5 cc plus the 2 that he didn manage to pull out. Once again I had restriction for about two days then it slowly went away. I thought well I'll make another appointment and maybe this time he would hit my "sweet spot" .So I went in this morning the Doc went to put the fill in and only got out 1 cc this …

I find this hilarious! Enjoy, and Happy Thanksgiving to all! http://www.americangreetings.com/display.pd?bfrom=1&prodnum=3081495&path=25200&va=1

The first 3 are my After pictures and the one with me and my son is my before picture. They do a great job at glamor shots and I promised my husband I would get my pictures done there when I lost 100 lbs, I am now down 103 Warning to anyone who gets their portraits done there, they cost more then a fortune. What a shock! I had to widdle my selections down from 7 pics I liked to 3 to make it affordable. At 7 pictures it was slightly more than $2500 OUCH but 3 ended up more reasonable. ali1.bmp ali3.bmp ali2.bmp

I have my seminar on the 30th and very excited to get the ball rolling. I talked to my doctor’s office and asked if I could get the surgery done in January, Sometime, because I am self-pay. They said absolutely. Good news so far. I sent out my loan info a week ago and was turned down. I am still going to the seminar but feel like I shouldn't bother. I mean with out my loan I am without the band. She said then we will just keep trying. (gotta love that women) My mom is going to try to see if she can step in. But like me her credit isn't the best. I feel like I am falling deeper in a hole and can't get out. I have struggled for so long with my weight. All my thin …

I have told several people and I don't want to be a closet bandster. I want to share the information and help others who may be considering getting a band. My problem is my co-workers. I have only told a few of them. Alot of them are now asking me what I'm doing to lose weight and I don't want to spend my whole day(s) explaining to each of them what the band is, what it does, etc. I just tell them the bandster rules - protein first, then veggies, then carbs and small bites. None of them are obese so it isn't anything that would help them although the education may help them tell friends and others. Any suggestions on how to approach this would be appreciated.

Has anyone had to pay for lap band out of their pocket? If so, how much? What about Aetna ppo insurance? Any success with getting them to pay? L.

Hello all, I have been following this forum for a little while. I am considering lap band surgery. I have a couple challenges. First, I am below the minimum weight here in Ny. While I am 85 lbs overweight, my BMI is to low. I weigh 265 and stand 5'10". The local Doctor here says I need to wiegh 285. So far I have only been accepted by a Doctor in Mexico. I really don't want to travel there. Canada is also an option but again I would prefer to get it done locally. It has been suggested that I cheat when weighed but I simply don't see how that would fly. Too, If I have it done here I will likely have insurance pay for it. Any suggestions? Second, Once the surgery is …

OK lady, do you live on this forum or are we simply on the same schedule? I think you've been online every time I've been here. Happy Thanksgiving!

Hey gang, I just want to share some thoughts on the subject of good aftercare. First off, I think the clinic that I used is just great, my problem is that I don't live close to my clinic. I live in another state entirely for most of the year while I attend school, and I only get back a very few times a year. I have been getting fills at a sort of local hospital. But the radiologist doesn't have any experience with the band, other than me. Oh the joys of being a ginnie pig. Most people have just wonderful success with just one or two fills, and they don't have any complications. But there are those that do have issues. Part of my problems have nothing to do dir…

If anyone is around the Springfield, Missouri area or is willing to travel, I have some gorgeous puppies to go to wonderful homes. They are black Lab purebreds and just so sweet and very playful. We also have a beautiful female 1.5 year old chocolate lab to go to a new home. Let me know if you are interested and I will be happy to provide more information. -Debra

Finally! I have made it back into to 100's!!! I hopped on the scale this morning and it read 199!!! I was so happy I could have cried. I haven't been in the 100's since after I had my daughter in 1999. It felt great! And now with Thanksgiving tomorrow and Christmas next, I know that I can handle all the high fat and high calorie food that I am going to be around. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! :Bunny

HI all im waiting for my date for surgery with dr. Jawad in ocala florida and the closer it gets the more nervous im becoming. ive never had ANY surgery before so i was hoping you all could tell me your experiences and what i can expect from surgery. thanks ROGER-FL