LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Question? (suggestions) My doc says I should be on "CLEAR" liquids for two weeks (after being banded). They told me to drink only: Clear broth Clear Juices - No sugar added Jello (ick) Ice Pops Crystal Lite drinks NO SODA coffee w/skim milk Tea Thats it !!!!! I am on day 6 and I am famished, the hunger pains is just horrible. The nurse in the hospital told me about Isopure (she was banded 3 years ago) and two of the folks here at this site suggested the same (Ira and Beanie ) Question is? Since Isopure contains Protein, how much protein should someone at this very early stage be drinking? I'm thinking b/c I'm not getting any Fiber that I might wan…

Ok, When I was banded in April I was in a size 22 pants. I had to go shopping at lunch cause my co-workers told me I looked sloppy today, my clothes were too big. I was wearing a size 14 brown dress slacks. I have dropped down now to a size 12!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am doin the happy dance!!! I don't remember when I was a size 12. High school? I have also started working out now, which I hadn't done before. It feels good. In fact everything feels good!!!!! Also, btw, the boyfriend, Herman, is wonderful and looks like we may get married about April next year!!!!!

Hi, are there any people from Chattanooga or the surrounding area here? I am hoping to get banded in the near future, and would like to hear from others in the area. I have a consult with Dr. Walter Rose on Oct. 4. http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/3;10724;127;0;0/c/-3/t/-83.5/k/5ddd/weight.png

The recent postings I have read about this are seriously starting to worry me. What causes band erosion? Is it the person's misuse of the band? Or is it the Dr.'s fault? I am really concerned about having a foreign object in my body for the next 50 years, since I am only 24... Someone please ease my mind...

America's Waistline http://www.slate.com/id/2128999/?GT1=7407The politics of fat. In the war on fat, fat isn't just winning, it's crushing the opposition. A new study reports that in the course of a lifetime, 9 out of 10 men and 7 out of 10 women are going to become overweight. The CDC says that a third of the country is currently obese. This puts a large portion of the nation's population in an unenviable predicament, since antipathy toward the fat, it's frequently remarked, is the last sanctioned form of bigotry. But bigotry is traditionally the plight of minorities, and the fat are fast becoming a majority. So, is America's spreading waistline at least a plus for anti…

I get sinus headaches often, before i could take alleve or motrin,but now I don't know what would be a good medicene to take during this time? Jenevieve

I know I won't have time to say thanks in the morning since I have to leave so early. Tomorrow I will join the ranks of the banded. Ya'll have been a tremendous support for me. I truly feel at peace with my decision and know that God will take care of me. Thanks for everything! Kendra

Ugh. I had a huge PB on Chinese food a few days ago (darn rice!). I was eating dinner with my DH and two contractors who had been working on my kitchen all day. Of course this would have to happen when we have company. Fortunately, I felt the slimes coming and I quickly excused myself before I upchucked in front of strangers. Then, yesterday I let myself get too hungry before dinner. I sat down and broke off half of a hamburger and just inhaled it. My inner voice was saying "what are you doing?", but I just couldn't stop myself. Two hours and one massive PB later, and I was sitting on the couch thinking - you're 3 months out. Why would you sabotage yourself? Ar…

i just got banded this past Tuesday! i guess i am having some anxiety issues because i am afraid i won't lose any weight. i am hungry every two -three hours, is this normal? and i am already getting tired of the soft diet! haha! and i am wondering after being banded do we have to totally cut out all fats and sugars? i mean we can still have fats and sugars in moderation correct? i hope you guys can answer my questions.

I am 4 months out, and am down about 30-32 pounds. I have the VG band, and have not needed any large fills - received a .7 fill - a baby fill - in August, and nothing since. I lost just fine....loved my band cause it just made me not-so-hungry. However, I began eating more and more, and not losing...time for a fill, right? Well, I got a 2 cc fill one week ago, and instead of feeling full/some restriction, I am hungrier - I mean an empty stomach, gurgling kind of uncomfortable stomach...I never had this feeling prefill....why post? I realize I may not find full restriction for a few fills yet - that's fine. I guess my question is why am I able to feel such severe hun…

Questions regarding whole meds vs. liquid. I am going to be banded on November 22nd. I did get most of my meds ordered in liquid form. Some I can't do liquid though how long after will I have to take the liquid form? Can you ever take whole pills again? Schel from MN.

Has anyone here had their saline removed by their request? Will a surgeon generally do it if asked? I am losing weight well, but am sick of my band. I would rather have it removed, but doubt they would do it. BFL

Sign up in the Lounge if you want to join. Also, I am willing to help put together a Saturday lunch for us Maryland Bandsters. We can just go to a restaurant somewhere in the Laurel area.

I was wondering before you ever figure out if the insurance will pay, what do you have to pay for out of pocket? And what is it paying for? I know there are some kind of tests you have to go through and do they cost and can anyone give me the low down on any of this. Thanks for any input.

Hi All; got a couple questions for the "bandsters". Is the band on for life? What is the life of the band itself? I have my first dr. appt. to discuss this on the 28th. Actually, there will be no discussion - I'm telling the doc I AM going to have this, and either you support and help me, or I see someone else who will. Period. End of story. Either way, it's going to happen!

Ok, here I was yesterday whining about how I haven't lost anymore weight, how I can eat almost a full meal, how I've been eating Halloween candy, etc and how I can't wait for my 1st fill next week. I've been avoiding the scales b/c of all the things mentioned above and I finally weighed in this morning and it was 228. Down 2 more pounds. How does this happen when I am eating hardly anything and my weight loss stalls and then I eat candy and more food and I lost 2 pounds. I am going to try not to ? it and just be happy. Also, I have been walking almost everyday so that probably helps! Anwyays, I am still going to get a fill. I can eat about 1 and 2/3 cup of food at a me…

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

my doc did not use an xray machine until after he did fill.How does he know where to inject?My belly is pretty thick, don't think he could of felt the port.

Ok, now I can basically eat what I did before (maybe slightly less) and I find myself just shoveling it in b/c I can. I am so frustrated now. Why can I eat like this? Then I worry that I've hurt my band somehow lioke stretching or something. I get my 1st fill in 9 days and I'm so ready! Hopefully they won't say I've dislocated my band from eating too much!

I just got off of the phone with my pre-op nurse... Surgery is Wednesday morning. DH is a lot more nervous about it than I am. I do not know how to calm him down...

For some of us, the thought of losing the 100 pounds that we need to lose is far too daunting to even think of doing. If we are part of the Turtle Tribe or even Winded Wabbits, I think some mini-goals are in order. Might I suggest the following mini-goals? getting to the next obesity level. For some of us that means that getting to the MO level is an accomplishment, for others it is leaving MO and just being obese, and for those that are closer to goal, overweight. Reaching Trippoli, Twonesia and of course, Onderland. These only count as mini goals if they are within a reasonable amount of time. Reaching double digits in KG, that means 218 pounds Cutting our BMI …

whats the entire point of the liquid stage, i have 2 more weeks of liquids and it's very hard already, getting tired of the same things, my favorite thing was cream of mushroom soup, but im almost 5 days post-op and getting real sick of the liquids.

Do you have the infamous "smiley face"? I know I have a great big smile and I wonder if he'll go away when I start to lose weight or if he has to stick around! I know I'd probably have to have a tummy tuck to make him go away all together, but I want so badly to TUCK MY SHIRT IN a pair of button close jeans! Is that asking too much or is it at least possible???

As I approach my 5 month anniversary of getting my band, I am taking the time to log my successes and failures. First, I have lost 28 lbs. since getting my band on June 9, 2005!!! My BMI has gone from 37 to 32 and I have gone from a size 18 to a size 14. I have come to the realization that I will probably never eat another hamburger or pizza. I need to find a way to get motivated again. I don't want to be satisfied with where I am right now. I keep making up excuses that I have four children and am in school full time as a reason for not eating right or exercising. I PB all the time because I'm too stubborn to learn that I'm taking too big of bites even though I'm…

I just got banded yesterday. I've done a lot of reading here about people who feel no restriction before their first fill. So I'm wondering, how much weight did you all loose in that period between surgery and the first fill? It's too early for me to tell if I'm hungry or not. I lost 15 lbs. during my one week of liquids pre-op, and I'd like to keep that momentum going! Thanks for your responses.

All that worrying for nothing. I put on the Emla patch, and when I got to my appointment I saw a different doctor than the one I have been arguing with about numbing me first (see my previous threads regarding my needle trauma :-). This doctor did not know I had patched myself, and after explaining my needle aversion to him (by the way, it's big needles that freak me out, not little ones), he agreed to a Lidocaine shot for me. But because of the Emla patch, I didn't feel the Lidocaine shot. And of course I didn't feel the needle for the fill at all!! I got 1CC and I am home resting. Soft foods and liquids for 4 days. I am so excited to getting my first "kickstart"!!…

I was banded on 10/31! Ugh, feeling in pain and bloated, but that's pretty normal from what I hear. I keep thinking about food all the time though! I am excited that I took this step, but also apprehensive as I'm afraid I'll screw it up and be one of those that don't lose any weight on it. I plan on going to those support group meetings in Houston, so I look forward to seeing some of you there.

I selected avatar - testing to see i I done it right.

I'm very interested in this procedure. What surgeon did you use and how much did the procedure cost? Who do you go to for fills? Are they painful? Has anyone had the gastric bypass years ago and regained the weight, and now have the band? Has it been successful? Thank you all! MC in Baltimore

Dr. Susan Brinkley Frederick, MD $200. last Wednesday of every month, but adding more dates

Hi ppl!gd day! I will be checking in2 the hospital tmr and havin the surgery on tues. I'm very nervous and scared right now, not sure whether i'm doin the rite thing. This is my 1st major operation and i have no idea wat to expect even though i read up a lot abt the lap band and am sure i wana get it done. i think its the surgery itself that scares me. At the same time i'm very excited too... Is this normal?? i want to cry and laugh at the same time... :think

Hi~ I'm from southern Minnesota and have heard good things about Dr. Peter O'Brien in Sioux Falls. A friend had him do her band and my sister and I just went to his informational meeting. I have an appointment scheduleld with him on Nov. 7 and am looking for anyone who has been his patient and any feedback they can give. Emily

Hi all I was banded on Oct. 24 and am on the liquid diet for 3 weeks then mushies for 3. I have a couple of questions for all you fellow bandsters out there. 1) Is soup concidered a liquid? I have green pea soup with a little extra water in it. It can fit through a straw so is this considered a part of the liquid diet? I got so sick of chicken and beef broth after 1 1/2 weeks so I tried split pea and green pea extra watery and smushed. It was great but is it ok? 2) any suggestions for mushies? I know that cottage cheese, refried beans, oatmeal, cream of wheat and scrambled eggs but is there any other suggestions for this? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Janet

I was banded on Oct 10th 2005 and everything went well. I had minor gas pain which was to be expected, then it went away after a week. Now I am 4 weeks out and the pain is back in my left shoulder. The pain gets so bad that it makes me bend over, grabbing my shoulder in tears. With the minor gas pains early in my post-op day it would come and go. This pain in my shoulder now just lingers and doesnt really go away. Does anyone else experiance this, and or have any suggestions on what I should do?

Thought you'd like to see my new outfit.... I'm the one w/the red bandana ROFLMFAO !!!! .

Lets post our dreams.. they facinate me.. and if anyone wants to 'analyze them.. go for it.. lol The Purple String.. a dream....Nov. 3rd..1am Three men and a women were at a counter and a significant other was shaving their long nice hair.. two men were very upset, they looked at me alot and one was crying.... there was a judge like person behind the counter ( i was in front of this counter) and this was like some judgement or bet or punishment but was kinda all in ful as well.... The judge was then doing one guy and stopped .. the guy asked "why did you stop" and she said "this one is to dull" set in down and went behind some very white area (significantly white…

ABOUT THE ANDRES from the moulding clinic letter. his phone number is right there on the post . since you were so quick to pass judgement and say im lying and falsely posted his letter, why dont you just call him and ask him for yourself. you really should have especially before you incinuate that i have nothing better on my daily agenda than to spread lies. p.s. if this is like you say a support forum which now im thoroughly convinced you are not here to help, surely you would have read this and had some COMPASSION for what we have gone through. AND HOW WE WERE TREATED. i dont wish what happened to us to happen to anyone. good luck to you in life in general. and…

I've been researching the band and I keep running across the information that bandsters generally lose around 60% of their excess weight. Why is this? Why don't people lose 100% of their excess weight? Or at least close to 100%? Are we physically incapable of it? Does something change inside of us? Do we just get to a certain point where we give up and say "ok, this is good enough." Because it seems to me that if you are properly restricted and exercise regularly and lose 60 pounds, if you continue on the same way, wouldn't you continue to lose until you reached a healthy weight? Using myself as an example, I'm 5'6" and weigh 240. I'm 100 pounds above my "healthy" weig…

What do I do? Will it be okay to walk up them to get home that day? I KNOW I want to be at home but is this feasible? Will it hurt the incisions, the band...me?

Is this normal? I'm very thirsty, but can only take tiny sips at a time. I worked all day yesterday to get down 1/2 glass of tea, and that was all I had all day. Today seems slightly better. I think I'm just still swollen after surgery. Does this sound familiar? How long until you drink comfortably and can consume a full liquid diet? I'm doing great mentally, and feel fantastic, but I'm thirsty....

I went to my doc on Friday, Nov. 4th. My primary care physician has been really great during my visits to fulfill the insurance company requirements. Ideally she’d prefer that I lose the weight on my own, but she is also quite willing to write a letter of necessity. I think it will be a good one, she is very supportive of my decision to do something. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> My next visit is in 5 weeks because my doctor will be on vacation the 3<SUP>rd</SUP> and 4<SUP>th</SUP> weeks in between. I’m anxious and would like to give the letter to the surgeon’s off…

Your PM inbox is full and you can't receive messages until you clear some out!!!! So clear some out please!!!!!! Dana

Hi! i saw your pictures and you look way different than in your avatar! you have very pretty face and your platinum hair gives you style! keep working your programme and you will see, one day you will be the sexy glamorous gal you have seen in your dreams and that it suits in such a lovable face!! Love more yourself you worth it!! (sorry for my poor english)

Do any of you drink wine or anything else? I am still on mushies right now, but when I start on solids, I would eventually love to have a glass (or a few sips!) of wine. Can we tolerate it? You know, to an extent?

After you are lapbanded is the main reason you eat less is because you don't get hungry? Or is it because if you eat too much you'll throw it up. Maybe it's late and my mind isn't that clear. But I'm trying to understand if you have to deal with cravings after being banded. Also when I'm PMS I eat about 1 1/2 times normal. Will I still feel hungrier before my cycle after banding?

iM HEADING INTO THE CHAT ROOM IF ANYONE WANTS TO JOIN ME. iLL WAIT FOR A FEW MINUTES TO SEE IF ANYONE JOINS! :bored

I will be 2 weeks out on Thursday. I know that exercising is out of the question so soon but was wondering when I could ride my Recumbant bike. It seems no more strenuous than walking, which is okay to do. Or does it use ab muscles or something I dont know about?

Hi, everyone. I'm new to lap band talk. Have been on Obesity Help's message board since before I was banded over 6 months ago. Another bandster there (Ann Marie - Hi!) suggested I ask this here. My mom was banded about 2 months ago. 3 days after she got out of the hospital, she landed back in with a nasty infection. After 3 extra days days in the hospital, she went home on (very expensive) antibiotics. After the antibiotics were over, she thought she was cured. A few weeks ago she had her first fill. Her Dr. had a heck of a time finding her port - dug around alot - but finally got 1.5 ccs in a 4 cc capacity band. Last week she reported to me and her Dr. that the inf…

just got banded yesterday, gee im in some serious pain, seems a little hard to breath also. is this normal? the surgery center told me to take a shower today, but wouldnt that be a dumb idea, i do not want to get infected just let me know thatnks in advanced

What did you have for breakfast/ lunch/ dinner on a liquid diet?