LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

I have told no one about the whole lapband thing. Yet suddenly my friend is saying stuff like "hey i'm thinking about going on a liquid diet what about you?" and telling me how she doesn't like the weight she's gaining (even though she's dropped ALOT since getting her tonsils out). And her boyfriend is "freaking out" saying that the only people who get that done are people who are getting a lapband or gastroblahblahblah and then telling me it would be dumb to do something like that and hurt my body. Something isn't right...I know she wouldn't be considering this. Do they know? Am I paranoid?

Ever since I had my gallbladder out 2 years ago I wake up queasy. If I didn't know I was too old to be pregnant and haden't been exposed I would swear I was pregnant. I'm wondering what the surgery is going to do to my already queasy tummy. I've heard people say their stomachs are sick. If mine were much sicker I couldn't stand it. I take compazine and was thinking of asking in advance for the patches. Should I hold off on the surgery. Any advice out there from someone who has been there. Thanks. I don't want to make myself sicker. I always feel like I'm nauseated...horrible feeling and it doesn't go away without meds.

I am having to self pay for my lap band. I live south of Fort Worth and have been investigating doctors in the Dallas Fort Worth area. Who would you recommend and if so, how much did you have to pay? I have looked as far as Mesquite, but prefer someone in Fort Worth. I am just not hearing of any doctors in the Fort Worth area to even check out! I have checked out Dr. Snow and he is my favorite, but also the most expensive. ANY INPUT would be VERY much appreciated!!! Im getting exhausted and a little obsessed staying on the computer all the time! Is there a chat room yall go to? Ginger:tired

How many had to do this pre-op and what did you eat/drink?

The Toledo Blade reviewed a book in today's paper. I thought I would share. "What happens to me is this: I get fat. Then I get fatter and fatter, over a period of years, until I'm fatter than I've ever been. Then I get thin again. But when I get thin, I'm never as thin as I was the time before. And when I get fat, I'm always fatter than I was the time before." THE HUNGRY YEARS. By william Leith. Gotham $25. That's it in nutshell! Sandy

I was wondering if there is a place where everyone goes to chat? When I get on I'd love to be able to chat with some of yall and discuss whatever! If you YAHOO I m feistytxgin. Thanks!

Ok, I am just over 3 months post-op and I am suddenly having some issues with food. I seem to be having problems with everything I eat, but only the first few bites. The first few bites of everything I eat seems to get stuck or come back up, I know I am supposed to do liquids for a day and then resume food, but after the stuck feeling goes away or it comes back up I can eat a normal banded portion. Most of the time the food seems to stick almost in my throat not anywhere near my stomach. I am drinking a protien smoothis right now and I am going to have soup for dinner tonight. If this isn't better by lunch tomorrow I am calling my doctor. Oh and my whole family is sick ri…

Hi, My lap band is new, got is 10/25. Can't believe I did it, but I'm really happy. I work from home, and have time to do some running around, anyone from Brooklyn or nearby that wants to get out more. Willing to do exercize, take a walk, just have some friendly conversation. Question: Do we really need to drink 64 ounces a Water a day, or is that more for the Bypass people? I don't mind, however, some times I just feel there is not enough hours, between eating and drinking. My day goes so fast. Would also like to know how to make the Lap Band experience the best. Should you stay on mushy food longer, will that increase your initial weight loss. My first po…

I am very frustrated with myself! After surgery I lost about17 pounds in a month. Then, I go out of town and eat more than I should. I got the Proteins in first like I was supposed to but there sure wasn't the best carbs around this tiny town. Ok. I could blame it on lots of things. Bottom line. I am not eating like I should and feel absolutely no restriction. I am putting a lot of faith in this "magical" fill I will get next week but have heard that it takes quite a few fills to get it to work. I guess I had two expections (unrealistic of course): 1. The band would do most of the work for me and 2. It woulld work right away. Seems lilke this journey is going…

I had my surgery on wednesday....I cant eat...I am having too much gas and I get sick at the thought of food...I used to have ulsers and it feels like I do again..3 sips and I am sick...my Dr. is out what can I do

Dr Phil's Test: Here you go. Try this! Below is Dr Phil's test. (Dr. Phil scored 55; he did this test on Oprah - she got a 38.) Some folks pay a lot of money to find this stuff out! Read on, this is very interesting! Don't be overly sensitive! The following is pretty accurate and it only takes 2 minutes. Take this test for yourself and send it to your friends. The person who sent it placed their score in the e-mail subject box. Please do the same before forwarding to your friends (send it back to the person who Sent it to you.) Don't peek, but begin the test as you scroll down and answer. Answers are f or who you are now...... not who you were i…

I share cuz its interesting to me...... this is what happens when food addiction dissappears (for me) note: I lost my food addiction after 20 yrs of the worst obsession.... its gone now (3 months) Once a month, I always shopped for the kids at a big store like walmart or winco. It was a big deal... I didnt really notice how much of a BIG deal till now.. On my mind was kids kids kids kids.... its my duty, I must provide well..get all they need and want Its all about the kids and what they want and need and will make them happy and show my ove and care for them. Usually its a 3 hour ordeal, to get as much food for the kids for as little money and sure to get a…

Hi Guys. I need your help. Lately I have been able to eat more, and can actually feel the food pass through my stoma. Well, I figured it was time for a fill (last one was Aug 30), so I will be seeing my doc next Tuesday. Anyway, for the past four nights, as soon as I fall asleep, I wake up coughing/choking with a mouth full of acid. I have never ever tasted acid since my banding, and now am very worried that my band may have slipped, or worse, eroded. Has anyone else had this? Needless to say, I am up all night, even tried sleeping almost upright. I even tried not eating anything past 6pm, but I still "throw up" in my sleep. I am so worried !!!! Thanks in advance for any …

Well, someone suggested it and it sounds like a great idea, so here it is. The check-in site for older bandsters. I'll get this started. I'm 63 and in the process of getting a loan to pay for my surgery if needed (can't cound on Medicare). I've had the Thallium scan. I had 5-way-bypass in 2001 and am doing fine in that department, but the weight has to go. I devoted myself literally to eating when they took my cigarettes away...but then that is what ended me up in surgery to start with. Now, the culprit is almost as bad. The weight has to go to help my heart and my arthritis. I have taken the sleep study and have sleep apnea. I'll be in the hospital for a night…

I have an addiction that I need help with. Lately I have been cheating with chips and salsa. There are times I would rather eat chips and salsa than a meal. I have to be more strong.

Well three weeks ago had my second fill and have not been able to eat since. Last night doctor took it out and told me to let my band rest for a couple of weeks. Well I feel like I have no fill at all. This stinks and I pray I don't gain back the 7 lbs I have lost since my fill!

Hello to all! I've been reading the boards and have learned so much already! I am scheduled for surgery on 11/14/05 and on a pre-surgery diet of Proteins and veggies. I'm anxious and ready to go!!

I made a chicken and rice dish for supper. And like a good bandster, I tried to eat my protein first. And it was dry. And did I listen to my band? Of course not. I kept going. I then ate a few forkfuls of rice. That did it. I had pain. That's happened before, but it has always gone away. It didn't this time. Then I got the hiccups. Badly. Then I started with the salivating thing. Lots. And finally, finally, I gacked it up. I have had my first PB! Now I feel like I belong!

My surgeon tells me I will be required to be on a liquid diet for 2 weeks before surgery. Now, my thought is that if I could remain on a liquid diet for 2 weeks I wouldn't be needing him. I would shrink my stomach on my own. It doesn't make any sense to me. I don't see how this can be accomplished, and if it is possible why will I need the surgery. I will have already learned how to starve. Very confused.

I'm 63 and my dr. has suggested lap banding because it will help my heart. I have had 5-way-bypass surgery and quit smoking. When I quit smoking is when I gained all the weight. It's kind of a vicious circle, because I've once more put myself in danger with my heart with the weight gain. Someone told me that over 55 bandsters don't do well. Does anyone have an opinion on this and is there anyone out there that is banded and older? I'd love to hear their opinions and whether the surgery was more difficult for them. Perhaps I'll find there are no older bandsters and that should answer my question about whether to do it or not. Any feedband is appreciated.

For those that need to lose weight before surgery, look into the BioEnterics Intragastric Balloon (B.I.B.). It is a 9 month stomach balloon that costs about $3500. It does not require surgery.

I am just over a year post op and have never heard of anyone like me. I am four pounds to goal. I can't be the only person who this has happened to and I would love to speak with anyone who has ever heard of this before. Thanks for the help.

Hi! This is my first post even though I have been lurking for a while. A friend in Texas had the surgery a couple of months ago and is the one that introduced me to lap band. I contacted my insurance (BCBS of GA) and they said they would cover only until the end of this year! All bariatric surgeries would be dropped after that. Of course, that is only 2 mos. from now. I called Dr. Bauman's ofc. and the first appt. available was 12/13. IF I get everything needed between now and then- does anyone think there is even a slight chance of having the surgery this year? I've tried not to be down about this, telling myself what is meant to be, will be. But I really want and need …

Hi, I was banded 10/18/05 and did very well following the lab-band diet until the day after Halloween. I started eating one reese and then another, they were bite size so at the time i felt it wasn't so bad, then i ate a bite size snickers, and another - i also ate a bite size twix. I felt so full when I was done that I thought I was going to pop. I went to bed and when I woke up this morning I feel sore on the left side. Tomorrow is my first followup visit after the surgery. I hope I didn't do any damage. The good thing is that when I was banded I was at 240 and today I'm at 224.5. I'm a little worried about being sore though. Did anyone else experience soreness…

Here is a link to an explanation and video of an actual lap-band surgery; it's just over an hour long start to finish. Please be WARNED - THIS IS GRAPHIC! http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3190472028990485080&q=lap+band

Has anyone had a fill by Cribbens or Hamn in Plano. I was wondering how often you got a fill and how much they gave you. I get my first fill in Nov in it will be .5cc

I'm having a really hard time seeing any difference in my body having lost 30 lbs. But I got to go home this last week and visit my family and my inlaws. Most I haven't seen since I had surgery and only my mom knows I had surgery. Everyone I saw kept saying "your face looks soo thin!" that made me so happy! My mother in law (who has no clue I had surgery) kept going on and on about how good I look and wanted to know what I'm doing different. I exercise six days a week and I'm eating a third of what I used to eat. Some day when I reach goal I'll tell her I had surgery but she's very overweight and VERY against weight loss surgery. So it was fun to have her notice…

I'd like to say thank's to all my many friend's at LBT & evry one word's of encourgement!

I was banded in alma, Michigan, on November 16 of 2004. I weighed 366 pounds at my heaviest, when I started the pre-surgery diet required by Dr. Cudjoe. Today, as I sit here before this bright window on the world, I weigh 266 pounds. One hundred pounds. Exactly. Part of me sings, part of my spirit soars on wings of joy at this loss. My step is lighter, my rest more peaceful, my diabetes is, for now anyway, in hiding. I can wear a 44 men's pant, as opposed to a tight 54 a year ago. I can hug my wife (well, I could hug her if RSD would let me. Horrible disease.) I can buy my clothes at the normal racks. I can take advantage of sales. Still, I was down…

At 8:45...is my surgery. I've never had surgery...ever. AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH

I have had a horrific cough and cold coughing alot could this do anything to the port and band just worried already had a flipped port

I cannot believe it's beeen six months since I was banded. I think I'm inbetween a rabbit and a turtle. I have rabbit weeks and then back to turtle. I went from a size 18W (I hate the W) to a 12-14. 12 in pants and 14 in tops. I am quite pleased, my body and skin are keeping up with the weight loss. It's not bikini perfect but I can be in a one piece without the dreaded tee shirt. I am down 60 and have 36 to go to my goal. I can honestly say my band and I are living a normal life. I try to eat well but no absolutes. I'm a rule bender by nature and do not do well will them. My surgeon's office is not supportive - he's s slice and dice kinds surgeon. I was very ple…

I just realized today is my one year bandiversary---Wow, it has been a year, how time flys. I am disappointed that I have gained 8-10 lbs in the last two months, but hey, I have been under some major stress, first my mom, then problems w/ my son and then this stupid Hurricane Wilma. Just so stressed. I am currently weighing about 157-158 so that's not bad at all...I hadn't been able to get a fill on my ps recommendations, and now that I can have one I've had to reschedule my fill now three times, but I'm scheduled to go on Tuesday, hope I can make it. I'm heading to Mx next month for Cmas vacation, wonder if I should just wait cause out there it's only $100 and here I hav…

i had a fill 2 weeks ago of 2cc in a 4cc band. When i'm upset i can feel the restriction and when i lay down. i want to know how you can hurt your band. I know that i'm eating way to much. I'm still trying to figure out feeling full. My doctor wants me to eat three small meals a day. I know that if you don't eat enough your body will hold on to its stores and you don't lose weight. I need some help. I have not lost any more weight i go up and down between 3 and 4 pounds. Can someone help me. I think i need my jaw wired next. thank you

I called BCBS today (my provider) and they don't cover Lapband... I am soo disappointed. They cover gastric bypass though. What am I going to do? I don't have money to pay out of pocket?!

Would love to see an ongoing group food diary here, including things that were hard to get down, things that were easy, things that were 'refeunded" as it were. . .I'll go first, and I'm starting on a REALLY bad day! coffee with milk, one sugar double esspresso, one sugar 3/4 cup scrambled eggs 1 piece of bacon 1 slice of sausage (of a link) COKE! yes I know personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut, eaten in two parts 2 Halloween size butterfingers SO FAR, SOOOOOOOO BAD! This is why I need to do this, and I think if I know others will be watching, maybe I can get it together. Also getting a well-needed fill next week. Come on people. . .tell me WHAT ARE YOU EATING?…

Hi guys! I have lost 40 lbs since banding in July. I know that is good, but I am starving and have not lost any weight in several weeks. I used to feel full after just a very small meal. Now I am able to eat more before feeling full and am hungry again much sooner than before. I had a fill in August and again at the end of Sept. I have gone from a 24 to an 18 in pant size and I know that is great, too. I just am worried about my resolve and losing that "I've had enough" feeling--something I NEVER felt before surgery. What do you think? Colleen

I am sooooo angry!!! My surgeon is blackmailing me. :think :bored :angry :cry :mad: :think Many of you know that I have been waiting 3 mths now for my first fill; because of complications with my surgery (blood clots in my lungs) and the blood thinning medication I have to take because of that. Well, I had an appointment for the 7th of November to have my fill - and I was really excited about it and wanted to make sure everything was OK to go ahead. So I tried to contact my surgeon to ask him how long I had to be off the medication before he would be prepared to do the fill. (Previously, while I was in hospital, he said I had to be on the pills for 3 mths then co…

I was banded on October 25th and already sick of the clear liquid phase. The thought of getting up in the morning and having broth or jello is nauseating! How did everyone else get thru this phase?

Don't you love those old motivational posters at your office...me too! Here's a few new ones to enjoy...just to inspire you to success. Hard work often pays off after time...but laziness always pays off now.

I'd like to connect to other connecticut lap banders, Any body our there? I just got banded Sept 2 call me 860-521-8990

I was just banded this past Monday 10/3. However, here it is Saturday evening and I still have very bad pains on my shoulder which I understand are due to gas problems. I have done the walking with my hands up in the air to make me look like a monkey . But I thought for sure by now it would be gone, any ideas or suggestions on how to get rid of it? The only thing that seems to help some is to lay down with a heating pad. Any help would be appreciated. Norma

SHERI, THE REASON WHY YOU HAD YOUR BAND REMOVED IS BECAUSE YOU INSISTED ON IT.ABOUT PATIENT PRIVACY I HAVE NOT SHARED THIS INFORMATION WITH NO ONE EXCEPT THE OWNERS OF OUR COMPANY.I INSTRUCT YOU TO BE VERY CAREFUL ON WHAT YOU STATE ABOUT ME OR MY COLLEAGUES & BUSINESS IN THE FUTURE.I UNDERSTAND IF MY BUSINESS IS AFFECTED BY YOUR UNTRUTHS WE HAVE A LAW SUIT.THIS IS MY LAST EMAIL TO YOU AND AM DEMANDING TO NOT CONTACT ME IN THE FUTURE.ANY CONTACT BY PHONE OR EMAIL OR THIRD PARTY WILL BE CONSIDERED HARRASSMENT AND I WILL GO THRU THE PROPER CHANNELS TO HAVE YOU REPROMANDED.ON A PERSONAL NOTE I BELIVE YOU ARE A A VERY EMOTIONAL CHALLENGED PERSON AND NEED HELP.PLEASE SEEK…

Her is an update on the fill center opening in Orlando. Robin, I spoke with fill centers today. I am excited to say that I believe we will be up and going before the end of the month if not sooner. I did clarify the cost to you the patient. The first visit will be $299 which will include your lifetime membership fee, your online resources, your visit, lifestyle guide, and nationwide help in case of you moving or traveling. The follow up visits will be $50.00 for a visit and $155 if you need an adjustment and a visit. These will be paid by check or creditcard at the office. This is a great service and will be able to help with issues that all of us as bandsters have. I…

Dang, Daddy! You're pretty energetic for a guy with no Caffeine... Here is your chip for 30 days without Caffeine. (aka "go juice") Here's your chip! Everybody give Jon a big old pat on the back!! GREAT JOB!!! chip 30.bmp

I saw a gal (super cute and thin) who I have always really liked and we live in the same small town, but never see each other. We chatted briefly last night while lugging our kids thru town trick or treating.....today she called me and said "I couldn't fall all over you in the street but you look amazing!". So nice that she took the time to call to say congrats! Made my whole day. So, that got me thinking--I have never posted pix of myself on the board, so here is a brief pictorial before and after (but not to goal yet!) this is summer 2004(pre band)--with my mom and my sweet boy, Denny: <img src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y49/denmother1999/MeMomandDen…

Okay, I've heard from 3 of you so far who'd like to get together. Let's do it!! I live in Gilbert. Where are the rest of you?!?! I want to find a central area. Please reply with the area you live in & what day/time would work best for you. I'm thinkin' a Saturday Morning Brunch would be fun!! :mad: Gosh, I'm looking at my calendars and Nov & Dec are crazy months for me. Is everyone else as busy as I am?!? Maybe we should shoot for January. I can't wait to put a face with all the names!!

Yuck. Almost 2 weeks with no power!!! Hot, humid and BORING. Hasn't been school since October 20th. I have lots of pics of Wilma's destruction. Email me if u would like to see them. My house now needs a new roof, but thats ok bc we needed one before and it didnt leak into my house. Sooooooo, anyone else have to deal with Wilma?

Hello all, After a lot of thought, discussion and supportive words from friends (special thanks to my 12/21 posse buddy) I made the phone call and have an appointment for rebanding January 19th! Now the goal is to make sure I'm as healthy as possible for surgery. At first I was panicked thinking, "I need to get my weight back down to where I was when I lost my band", but I know darn good and well that if I feed into that panic I will gain weight instead of losing it. :cry So....I have about 2 1/2 months (of course during holiday season....sheesh!) but taking little steps (literally). I got my water bottle at work that I'm drinking on my breaks (can't have it in the c…

I am an avid golfer and up until 3 years ago I was into some pretty serious weight training. Are there any bandsters out there who are weight training and/or golfing who have experienced anything negative w/their bands because of the activities? Heck, have any of you experienced any weird/negative side effects from any type of strenuous physical activity?