LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Hi all. Just need to vent and any advice is greatly appreciated, here's my situation: I've been having some pain in my lower abdomen, and having very dark urine as of the last couple days. Well, I was banded 11 days ago, have been following the rules to a T, and I decided I should go to my doc here and get checked out. He wasn't in so I went to urgent care. I did call my band surgeon's office to let them know what was happening, and he wasn't in, but an assistance was. He talked to me and was very condescending about "are you sure you're following the rules," and things like that. I said yes, of course. He asked why I didn't call sooner, and I said, "I did call tw…

Ok this slow eating thing is interesting! Last week I was starving and went to a chinese resturant by myself for lunch. Ordered chicken and veggies like a GG. I started scaffin..Then I was like duh slow down you fool! So I put my fork down and wathced my watch! I waited a full minute before taking the next bite. So now I'm on the slow down kick with everyone in my house. I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW FAST THEY EAT! I don't always make it a full 1/2 hour, but I make it at least 20 minutes and then wait 1/2 hour to drink. How about you?

Once again i am facing surgery-this time because my port flipped and i cant have any fills,obviously, with it being like this. My last surgery was to take out the stitches because it was irritating a nerve and causing a lot of pain. So now Im going in for the exact opposite. Hurraaay!!Im not o bummed out though--I`ll get some(much needed)time off of work, although it will be nice to have some vaca time without surgery!! Anyways, I`ll need to get this done hopefully this month,along with taking my Insurance License as well this month(just got back from a 2-day course).Its wicked intense and Im trying to study like crazy. So,my stress never seems to end...looking forwar…

And what do you do? I've discovered soooo many wonderful fitness DVD's, it really is possible to ahve an entire gym quality workout at home. I'm building up a bit of a collection and working out a few rotations for myself including aerobic work, strenght worth and a lot of core strenght and flexibility stuff. I like hard core aerobics, none of this dancy fancy wussy stuff - but you can get fantastic spinning DVD's and this think called cardio coach which you can use on the elliptical, treadmill, whatever you have, it's basically interval training.

Had my second fill on Wednesday. First one was .5cc and I was gaining because I wasn't restricted. Second fill and I'm now 1.2cc. Thursday, Friday and Saturday were fine. Today I've had one issue after another. Coffee was fine this am, but when I make some scrambled eggs about noon and took my first bite, I thought I was going to die. A couple of hours later I nibbled on the eggs chewing really good (took me about 45 minutes to eat them). Late lunch I had a small piece of cheese, no problem and a sample smootie from the Vita Mix guy at Costco. Dinner just sat down to eat and the first tiny bite of fish was horrible once again. My question is, do fills tighten up …

I don't think I can PB. I had two very painful episodes today, and while I do burp after awhile nothing comes up. I was a little concerned about this before banding since it doesn't seem like I have the reflux to vomit or bring anything back up (while I have vomited I'll have to say it is extremely rare). Is this possible?

Is there a way to check your Dr.'s record? A free way to make sure there are no bad reports on him. I think I made the right choice, but I want to know for sure. Does that make sense? Thank You, Sue

Hello everyone! I did it!...Nov 4th was the big day! Today I returned back to work and I was not to very comfortable, too much bending and standing, etc.. Still trying to survive the liquid intake...I am dying here! well not quite, but the drama helps. Does anyone out there know why we need to be on a liquid diet for 2 weeks AFTER surgery and a pureed dies for 2 weeks after and a soft diet another 2 weeks. I just got banded Nov 4th and I am missing the simple action of chewing...I hate soup! The positive site is that I will be ready to eat food by Xmas...I hope Thanks MGAF

I am getting very nervous.I told my husband that he will have to cook for five weeks since I will be on liquids. How can I cook when all I can have is liquids. It is time for ME. I HAVE to get healthy. Am I wrong ? Can I stand there and cook food that I cannot have???Will it be to tempting??? Am I worried over nothing?

I'm worried, i've heard alot about people getting depressed after surgery or regret that they have gotten the band and all of that. How common is that? How common are mood swings and what not? I'm nervous, my biggest fear right now is regret... My second biggest fear is going back to work and my attitude affecting my job. I teach 1st grade and so pissy is not really an option for me. *Gasp* Help.

Help PLEASE I am in Aruba, I just came back from the hospital, with severe pain in my band and back area, they have no idea about the band so they wouldnt x ray it. Does anyone know what could have caused this...? I did get sick on some pizza chesse, and have been sick like this before, but never needed to go to the hopital.They gave me meds, but I AM AFRAID MY BAND has slipped. Anyone ever have this before.....I am do home on Thursday, and have a doctor appointment on Friday......Thanks for any help u might have.

I have heard that after surgery it is normal gassy. I had my surgery 6 days ago and did not really feel gas pains at first but for the past 2 days I have been in so much pain because I feel like I have alot of gas but can't seem to get it out. I even took some gas-x and it helped a little but after a few hours I felt the pressure again. Is this normal and what can I do to feel better. Sometimes it feels like my stomach growling and sometimes it feels like gas so I can't tell the difference but it hurts and is uncomfortable.

Just shy of my 7 month anniversary I am now down 101 Lbs!!!! Woo-Hoo Yea Me ! :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana

I went to my fellowship group last night and pulled the pastor's wife off in the corner to ask her if she could gather some of the women around to pray with me about my banding on Thursday. Why is it that all the overweight women were excited, wanted to know all about it, and wished they could have it too. All the skinny women told me that I was fine just the way I am and they were concerned about any complications, and that the surgery wasnt needed. Can someone please explain this phemennon. Blessings,

because............... Spydr post about too much researching freaking us out really hit home. So if all you people who are already banded would complete the above sentence it would be really really encouraging!

For 5 days pre-op and 1-2 weeks post-op (thick past consistency) sugar free Jello Sugar free popsicles liquid from clear Soup (strain Soups like Chunky Cambell's) chicken Noodle, or Beef Vegetable Anything that you can put in a blender as long as it is not lumpy, bumpy, or chunky is very important in the intial post-op period Start Protein shakes or Protein drinks now. Drink small amounts throughout the day. Begin taking Flintstones Childresn chewable Vitamins (2 a day) Pre-op: Eat as often as needed Post op: 3 times a day 1/2 cup = 4 oz. each meal. I have done several yummy things...Chicken salas blended with small amount of chicken broth. Added Prot…

I have a real bad cough and a cold. The cough is the worst! Is there anything cough/cold meds you can recommend?

Good Afternoon, Has any bansters become pregnant after getting the band? How long into the pregnancy did they unfill your band? Did you have PCOS that prevented you from becoming pregnant before the band? I am on my 6-month doctor guided diet and I am trying to find out what I should expect when I lose enough weight to become pregnant. Thanks Ut oh, Shake it don't break it, took your momma 9 months to make it!

I am on day 8 of the liquid protein diet. I did eat a piece of chicken on Friday. Yes, I could kick myself for it but I can't take it back. I have pre-op tests tomorrow. Can they tell if you have eaten anything? Of course now I'm starting to worry.

HI everyone- I have been thinking about Lap Band surgery and am researching it now. I 'm almost positive my insurance will not pay for this (its Tricare)- so on average how much does it cost? I've read from $10000-18000 average. Is that about right? anyone else in the DC metro area? Thanks, Pattie

would any lap-band pre-op and post-op in Reno area be interested in a monthly support group for just lap band? just curious

Only 3 more days until I get banded. I have been on liquids since Saturday. My doctor said liquids. I assume that it means anything that is not lumpy, bumpy, or chunky. I try and stick to Clear Liquids, but I did get some tortilla Soup when we went to lunch after church. Couldnt eat much there, but brought it home, zapped in the blender with a little chicken broth and it was awesome. Is that cheating? I started at my consult at 244 2 weeks ago and I am down to 228 by my scale this morning. Are we suppose to lose weight because of room for the doctor to move around or does it specifically have to do with size of liver? I am so excited. It has not been hard on l…

One of the good things about the whole process of dealing with the insurance company is you have a lot of time to think about whether this surgery is the right move for you. That is also one of the worst things about this process. One of my biggest challenges has been impatience, but I’m getting used to that. Now my biggest challenge is staying committed. Almost every night I go to bed thinking “I can totally do this on my own. I can start tomorrow instead of waiting practically a year for major surgery that could probably kill me or have all sorts of complications.” And every morning, I button up pants that are too tight, walk to my car with horrible pains in my b…

Guys I need your help here. I went for my first fill today and after tons of needle poking they figured out that my port has flopped 180 degrees. I have to go back into the hospital next week to have it fixed. The doc said I didn't do anything to cause this, but I am feeling guilty like I might have done something, but I don't know what. I am really scared. Has anyone out there experienced this?

Hi All I Am Currently Waiting For My Date And I Am Nervous To Say The Least, Ive Never Had Any Surgery Before And I Dont Know What To Expect Accept Pain. Can Anyone Ease My Mind Or At Least Give Me The Facts Thanks Roger-fl

Today was insane. I suspected for awhile that my friends might know that I was going to get this done, but I didn't tell them or even hint at it in anyway. They just kept on saying things that clued me in. Well today she finally told me that they knew that I was getting this done. I was MORTIFIED, and scared. I live for her approval almost, she means the world to me. But she was SO GREAT. She told me that she wished that I wouldn't but she supported me know matter what I chose to do. She even went shopping with me on my preop diet and offered to take off of work to be with me the day of surgery. And her boyfriend, my other friend said that he wouldn't hate me if I got thi…

Calling all NC Lap Banders....Our informal group will be having our monthly get together on Saturday Nov 5th @ Ruby Tuesday's at I-77 and Arrowood. The meeting time is 11:30...If you plan on attending please let me know. It seems our little group will be growing by a few this month and I would like to call ahead and get a table reserved for us. Everyone one is welcome...we normally have @ 6- 8 of us that meet monthly. We are at all stages...from just getting the ball rolling to the vetran Kathy who has been banded since April. This is a great time for friends to get together and laugh and cut up and have some lunch. Hope to see everyone saturday...would love to meet…

My surgery is Monday morning and guess who decides to come a calling?! Any other females have this problem?! What timing!!!!!!!

I had my surgery early Thursday (Nov. 10) morning and I'm feeling great. The surgery lasted less than one hour and by 1:00 p.m. I was home in my own bed a little bit and walking a little bit. I spent most of Friday out of bed walking around the house. Saturday I didn't lay down at all. Pain is minimal. Today is Sunday and I plan to go to work tomorrow. I had previously had a gallbladder surgery and was expecting that type of pain, but it was nowhere close. What a great experience this has been so far. Much better than I had anticipated. And I've lost 10 pounds in these last few days - which I am sure is mostly Fluid - but who cares it is weight loss. Hope a…

So I'm sitting here thinking about something, I stop taking my birth control about two months ago and thats when my weight pretty much came to a stand still. So I started taking birth control about a week ago, and I've lost 10 lbs. I have not changed ANYTHING in my diet, exercise or anythng else.. the only thing different is birth control. (btw i have PCOS) is there something to this? anyone else experience this?

Hello Everyone - My name is Tod Campbell, and new to this site. I had my surgury performed by Dr. Milton Owens at Alvarado Hospital. He is a very repected and well known doctor who believes in doing fills quickly until he gets it right to avoid the frustration some may go through from not feeling much restriction. I have a 10cc Vangaurd band and had my first 3cc fill 3 weeks after surgery. A week latter I had another, and two more since then, totaling 4 fills. I am now at 8cc. I have lost about 28lbs. Anyone with this kind of experiance?

hi i am planing in having my surgery in mexico but i am still doing some reserch on my doctors i live in del rio tx 30yr male and i would apreciate yours help

am i still supposed to sip on my drinks? (i feel i can drink normal now) do i need to drink 15 minuts before a meal and 30 after in the soft food stage? (really bothers me not to drink with a meal) is chilli considered a soft food? (just wondering) what are the best low carb/diet type soft foods? (noticed in the grocery store everything related to soft food was extremely high in carbs and what not)

Today when I got into my SUV to take my daughter to ice skating lessons I thought for a split second that my husband must have moved the car seat back because I fit sooooo good!!! My stomach was INCHES, I mean, INCHES from steering wheel.....I realized then that my husband has not driven my car since this summer!!!! What a great feeling....I just sat in the driveway smiling for a couple of minutes before I pulled out.....wow, great feeling......

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RAY! :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana

Does it? *Grr it's only the 1st day of not eating and i'm already trying to figure out how to break the rules. How did you guys do it?

How do you help yourself get through a blockage quicker or less painfully? I have had a couple....though it's entirely my fault. I eat too fast. I'm learning but definitely the hard way. I just don't know what I'm supposed to be doing when I'm in the midst of one. Walking? sitting? trying to drink water? rubbing my belly, my chest? trying to vomit? They are just so painful. I know I have to start eating slower, I'm really trying. In the meantime I could use some help with this. Thanks so much! Tina

Hi! I live in the DFW area and have been considering the band. I am attending a seminar on it on Dec. 6th. I have numerous concerns, but at 43, I feel that I dont have any other choice. I've tried EVERYTHING except this. I'm at the heaviest I have ever been -- 285 --. I've been thinking about Dr. Hagood, but don't really know much about him. Any suggestions, recommendations, advice?

I am getting a little frustrated and was wondering if anyone had any advice. Since having my surgery in August I have lost just over 50 pounds, which I am happy about. However, I am frustrated because most days I eat between 400 and 800 calories, and yet over the past 3 weeks, I have hardly lost any weight. I was used to losing 4-5 pounds a week and now the scale has barely budged! I don't think I need a fill, but I was wondering if eating more calories might make the scale move a little faster. Have any of you experienced this?

Dear Penni, Oh, Goddess of Editing Images: You would laugh to know how long I have tried to resize this image to make it my avatar. I even know how to change my avatar on the CP...but I can't figure out how to resize it any smaller than it is now. Your hunble servant beseeches thee to wave your magic wand over this image, and allow it to be used as my avatar. Pretty please? Thank you sooooo much, Cindy

I am a little scared that something is wrong. For the past two days I have had pain in my lower abdomen. It is always below my navel so I assumed that it had nothing to do with my band. However, It always seems (unless it's all in my head and I am going crazy) to hurt not long after I have eaten or drank something. It could be a coincidence I suppose but I figured I would ask you all just in case. Does it sound like it could have something to do with my band? I realize this could be my uterus or something like that but it feels different than that kind of pain. Oh well....any advice. Anyone else have pain like this which pertained to their band? Thanks

Have any of you joined Curves? I would like some info on pricing and how it works, but their website isn't very helpful. Thanks!!!

Need opinions here please....as you probably read I had a second fill on Tuesday. First fill was suppose to be 5cc (VG band), but he only got 2 cc out, so he only put 1 cc back in....so, now I am at 3 cc's (supposely). Here's my current situation....I really don't feel much rescriction. I am feeling hungry about 2 hours after I eat, etc...should I make an appointment for another fill this coming Tuesday? Or should I wait to see if it "kicks" in? I really would like more rescriction around the upcoming holidays.

I recently ran across a site called 43Things.com (43 things I want to do with my life) that has really helped me to define, organize, and work toward my goals. I'd like to invite you to join the goal to "get a gastric lap band" at http://www.43things.com/things/view/275330 I've enjoyed 43Things.com in my daily and longterm goals for life. I hope you will enjoy it, too.

THE impossible thing that is possible Its evident and fact since my fill with good restriction I no longer care about food. I dont mourn it or crave it At all. This is how I feel now and every day. But.. I do not think that is possible. I did not decide that food was no big deal and choose to let it go.. And to be obsessed and unable to control what I ate and lived everyday caring about food more than anything else for 15 years and have tried hundreds ways to find my way to freedom from it.. Obviously when in doubt, you choose whats evident, not what your mind thinks. But its not that easy if what is evident doesnt seem possible and until it can be explained …

Our next Charlotte area meeting will be Dec 17th Saturday. At Ruby Tuesdays @ 11:30, same one as before...Arrowood and 77. I know it's close to Christmas but we could all use some "me" time right before the holidays so lets get together and have some fun. I wanted to go ahead and post this so you wouldn't make any other plans..We would love to see some new faces.... We know for sure Sherrie want be joining us because she will on the seas for a cruise...lucky her...we are going to live through her while she is gone. haha

Last week I posted about having a bad problem with acid reflux at night. I had been vomiting in my sleep, and nothing I tried worked. Well.......Of course I wrote to LBT and received wonderful suggestions from everyone. I did, however, ignored one very smart piece of advice-DO NOT GET ANOTHER FILL. Well, being my stubborn self, and being so happy with my weight loss, and having such a fear I will gain weight again if I don't continue getting fills, I went ahead and had another fill on Tuesday. I was now up to a total of 2.8cc's in a 4cc band. Well let me tell you, that was an experience I never wish on anyone. I spent three nights continously vomitting, not being able to…

Help! Calcium Citrate and other meds? <HR style="COLOR: #d1d1e1" SIZE=1><!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->Yuck! Blech! Ack! I'm supposed to take 600 mgs of calcium citrate 2x's a day. I is important for obsorbing nutrients (or something like that). No matter how much I pulverize these big honkin' HORSE pills I cannot swallow the powder...or at least I haven't found anything to hide it in well enough. Is there any kind of calcitrate chewables that you've found to take. On the line with medicine and supplements...are any familiar with the glyconutrients company called Mannatech? Any luck with these supplements. They sound fantastic so I'm willi…

Hi Everyone- I have a question. I have had 4 fills and am at 7 cc in a VG band. I don't feel that I am at the point I need to be yet, restriction-wise, but my mind is playing games with me. The situation is that I have done well chewing and eating slow, and I am feeling a sense of 'tightness' with the first few bites at each meal, but then it seems as everything gradually opens up and I can continue eating a full meal. Am I supposed to be just stopping after the first couple of bites? Will the band eventually keep me from continuing past a certain point if I get it filled even more? Or will there always be the feeling of having restriction initially-which is the po…

Im getting banded in 3 days wish me luck please