LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

I was denied earlier this year by bcbsil. I can not remember the exact reason but I believe it was because I had no major health issues, besides my weight. But I have had some bothering issues since then and also want to try again. I was wondering if anyone went through this (being denied) and got approved the 2nd or 3rd time around, if so what did you do? I havent applied/signed up yet. Attending seminar on the 24th. (bcbs members would be awesome to reply back but anyone else is more than welcomed if had similar problem)

So I had my port moved an it just below my sternum and the to left (my left). I've always had it near my umbilical area but because of multiple port flips, me chose this higher up location. I'm afraid of how my full will feel tomorrow. At least in the belly there's lots of fat and not too much pain. Hopefully he will use lidocaine because of my location. Anyone else have their port moved to the sternum area from the belly? Does it hurt?

Hello! I was banded on 6/6/2013. I am just over 1 month post-op. I was told that some fluid was added at the time of surgery just not sure how much. I have lost 23lbs since surgery. I eat about 1/2 C - 1 C food and I do not get hungry in between meals. I eat every 4-5 hours 3x a day. The nurse scheduled me for a appt 2 weeks post op and come to find out they made a mistake and the appt should have been 1 month post op! The nurse was asking me if I was getting hungry, what I was eating and so on.. She apologized for the mix up in scheduling and said they needed to see me at 4 wks for a fill. I asked how i would know if i needed one and she said " you are 2 weeks post op, …

I was banded in Oct 2012. I've lost 64 lbs so far. I'd love to have an experienced mentor or buddy. Email support preferred. I also have a blog thefatgirlthin.blogspot.com

Although I am slightly disappointed, I am mostly happy! Why you ask? Because my surgeon is pleased with the track I am on and what has happened with my weight since my last fill (end of may). He didn't want to push it today with another fill. I have a history of being too tight and a slip in the past so he has been going slow. This is the first time I have been close to the green zone since my complete unfill in a year and a half ago! I'm finally back losing. 11 pounds down since may! It was a great doctor visit!

How many cc do you have in your band and loosing weight? Just wanting to know when others got to there sweet spot

For almost a week now no matter what I eat I get a burning sensation in my stomach. I only get a few bites and bam...I feel it. I have been fine otherwise. I can eat without food getting stuck and have not had any fills in a while. This just happened out of nowhere. Does anyone else have or had this issue and possibly know what it could be from. I have had my band since Oct. 2009.

Two and half days till phase 2,(chicken,fish, veggies in the bullet). So I go to the supermarket and I'm in heaven shopping in the aisles and freezer cases, I only buy good stuff. What really concerns me is I'm totally addicted to food! Well I already new this but just the joy being in the supermarket and thinking how I'm going to cook chicken tenderloin and some peppers out of the garden or maybe some fresh green beans w/ that chicken. I concerned that being so involved with growing, shopping, cooking and eating food is the center of my universe! I don't know if that will ever change! Should it change? I know the eating part has to, but can I be a Foodie and and still re…

Please add me to my fitness pal stephkw21!

I have a lot of left shoulder pains what could this be ?

My surgeons office called today I'm set for August 12 and I start my pre-op diet Monday... wish me luck...I'm going to by meal replacement shakes do you all recommend anything!?

Am I the only one that is still hunger even after eating or drinking protein? I am not doing well with this band sometimes it restricts and other times it's like I have no band at all. I have a appt. on 7-16-13 and embarrassed to go and really want to hide because I feel like I am failing. I have only lost about 30lbs since Nov 2011. I need some major motivation!!!!

I Have been stuck for 2 Days Someone Please Help Me!!!! Any Suggestions??????

I had my first fill almost two weeks ago. I had 2ccs put in I have had no trouble eating and no pain associated with eating. I do however have pain kind of near my port site but slightly above it. It hurts when I bend over or twist my torso. I went to the dr on Wednesday and he said it was normal. Anyone else experienced this after a fill?

Well...as many of you know, I have severe arthritis in my right knee. It was a co-morbidity and made it that much easier to get approved by the insurance company. I have alot of pain still even after losing more than 70 lbs. so I had an MRI done and was told that the damage is too severe for any additional shots or medicinal interventions. The doctor is recommending a knee replacement. That's the bad news. The good news is that I've lost enough weight to have the surgery...which was the reason I did this to begin with. I was told nearly a year ago that at the weight I was, surgery would not be successful. I was banded in January with the hope that I could go ahe…

Cream of chicken Soup Sent from my SAMSUNG GALAXY S3 using LapBandTalk

My husband is taking me to, Applebee's tonight and I was wondering if anyone has a suggestion on what I can eat? I need something that'll go down easy.

I'm kind of nervous about it. Don't even know why.. my husband had this done nearly 2 years ago and has done great. I know he'll support me 100%. Anyway... Hi everyone!

I was banded Nov 15, 2010 and had success for 11 months! I was down 60 pounds and felt fabulous that I could achieve success on this journey! What changed? My stress level was a definite change. When I worry I internalize my feelings and in turn I have found that I caused anxiety! This anxiety for some reason tightens my band to the point where I can't eat, drink or lay down to sleep. It has caused me to be out of work sick or leave work in excruciating pain to head to the ER. I have had my band unfilled 6 times over the last 16 months. To date my band has been empty since the last unfill on March 10, 2013. I have even talked to my surgeon about a revision but …

I am new to the site. ... and i have not yet had wls....I have two more month of supervised weight loss to make my insurance company happy. . The closer I get I'm starting to get nervous.

I would tell myself how important it is to stay hydrated. NEVER EVER EVER DEHYDRATE as I smack myself around.

OMG I'm out of my head excited!!!!! I had 4 huge boxes of "thin clothes" on my closet and 99% of it now fits!!! I tried them on yesterday. Size 14 and 12 pants, size large and medium tops!!!! I didn't realize I was that small yet, but went to a party Friday night and my friend told me that I looked tiny, and I realized my new size 16 Ann Taylor pants (omg yea, regular clothes!!) were already kinda droopy on me. I just bought them a month ago! Being a size 14 wasn't even on my radar... And the best part is I even missed the boat on a favorite coat which is kinda too big. Hah!!!!!!!!!!! So happy!!!

As I pay more attention to making better choices, it amazes me how many calories I really used to consume. Took my nieces and nephew to lunch today at Mimi's Cafe (one of my favorite restaurants). Was very proud of myself - ordered egg white omelette made with turkey sausage, mozzarella cheese, broccoli, and tomatoes. I then only ate half. Previously I would have ordered corn chowder, chicken pot pie (1200 calories), and eaten most of the bread basket! Easily a 2500 calorie visit. Since I only ate half my meal I thought I'd be ok to eat half of the carrot raisin muffin that came with it. Glad I only ate half because later when I was logging it I discovered the muffin w…

So, many have said they feel "tighter" in the morning. I never quite understood what this meant. I'm relatively new to being banded and have had 3 small fills. I can eat Breakfast without any issues. However, I have noticed lately (2-3 fill, maybe?) that I wake up hungry and also a mild heartburn feeling. The heartburn doesn't last, and I'm lucky not to suffer from it regularly. So, would you consider this the "tight" feeling many of you report? Just curious how you describe it. TIA!

Has anyone had to have port replacement? I have had my band for 5 years and must have this procedure done. thanks, sheila

Hi all! I'm brand new here and I am scheduled for my band on July 10. Has anyone on here had their surgery at the False Creek Surg Centre in Vancouver? I'm looking to connect with someone who can share their experience with that clinic. I'm excited but also so nervous. Wondering if I chose the right clinic for my procedure. Feedback please??

So...I haven't been on here in a long time and I went to support group tonight and someone mentioned it so I thought what a good time for me to get back on here. I had surgery on Halloween and initially lost 51 pounds. I have been unemployed for about 2 months and have really fallen off the wagon causing me to gain about 10 pounds. I need to get back on track really bad and of course, get back to exercising. Another post mentioned the 5-day pouch test so I think I'm gonna try that. But, does anyone know any other "reboot" tricks or a good way to get my butt back in gear? Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Just curious... Does anyone know the science behind the different "soft spots" people talk about? I haven't gotten there (yet), but if/when I do I would like to know what is going on in my body to do "that". Thanks!

I get my band put in on July 7. Doing really well on the liquid diet as far as compliance, but boy I am not enjoying it much. My energy is shot. I am so nervous. I am working so hard on my addiction to food, and I know this will be a struggle the rest of my life. The band will provide the physical accountability I need to be successful long term at weight loss. Portion control or puke. Glad to join this months group!

Hey does anyone consider tuna snd vaked fush a mushy?

My moms friend has done them and lost inches. I have my first vist with the doctor next week. I like to look ahead to things I could do if I have extra skin.

I live in Charleston, IL, but am getting banded in Champaign, IL. My surgery is scheduled for 1/19. Yep, just a little over one day away. I am looking forward to meeting folks through these boards. I know that having support can make all the difference to reaching success. Linda

I received the lap-band 12/09 everything went well as far as weight loss in the beginning. I went from weighing 250lbs. to 188lbs....Yeah!!! ...However I had to go and get all of my fills removed because I thought I was pregnant...After the false alarm...I began to pick the weight back up and now that I've been getting my fills back it seems the weight is soooo much harder to fall off....I'm not doing anything different than before but I can eat almost what I want and I'm at about 5cc's know. Before 4cc's was the most I had and I lost lots of weight...Can someone please tell me what the problem is?????...HELP>>>

I've been on 40 mg for almost a year now. I was told after surgery to open the capsule and take the powder inside. Well I tried and it was nasty. I couldn't swallow and I almost vomited and it took forever to get that foul taste out of my mouth. What now? I have depression but what's worse is I have anxiety and panic attacks and the Prozac keeps my anxiety under control. I'm calling my PCP tomorrow to see what she recommends but when I will be able to swallow my Prozac again?

:::disappointed sigh::: I just heard from Dr. Cirangle's office in the Bay area and I'm feeling sad and disappointed. I'll get over it soon but may I vent here for a moment? I was thrilled when I saw last week that such a well-respected gives fills in Templeton (about 45 minutes drive from me). I was even more thrilled when I found out that my new insurance company said that they WOULD pay for my fills even though my surgery was through a previous insurance company years ago. But Nicole from Dr. Cirangle's office says patients from other surgeons have to pay $2000 a year for post-op care with him. If I was brand new and getting fills once a month, that would mak…

I'm a week out from surgery. Problems with my unfilled 11cc band led to numerous tests which pointed to the band needing to be removed. Not wanting to regain I mentioned to my surgeon, "if it can be saved, please do" - but he was 99% sure it needed to go. Surprised to came out of surgery with a hiatel hernia repair and the band still in. My follow up appointment is Wednesday, but I just don't feel right. I've got reflux like I never had before and this annoying need to clear my throat. I have a weird lump at the base of my neck which I can literally feel - thought maybe it was from being intubated for surgery, but shouldn't it be gone by now? Everything I drink - coffee…

So, for the past month and a half, I have been eating no animal meat or dairy products. I do my best to look up recipes substituting meat for tofu, etc. So far, I haven't seen any special weight loss, but I feel GREAT. I drink 24 ounces of fresh watermelon juice for Breakfast, then for lunch I either have a salad or a quick meatless burrito, and for dinner, it's just veggies and more complex carbs. My cousin is devouted vegan and I decided to jump on the wagon with her. However, I haven't been too successful at finding anyone who has gone vegan while being banded. To be honest, one of the main reasons why I decided not to consume animal meat anymore was because I was al…

I got my first fill yesterday !! Yay !!! Still on liquid Diet till noon , but happy to have gotten a fill !

Yay! I was down 5 more lbs and I got my first fill. I am 7 weeks into my journey and I am down 26lbs. I'm excited but I need to get myself moving more and working out. The fill was not painful at all. I'm on liquids for the next 24 hours. What should I expect?

Just wanted to give a shout out for Peanut Butter as it is one of my favorite things! For me a few tablespoon of PB in the morning is great and filling. Plus I feel like I am getting a treat! I buy the Jif Natural that is pre portioned into little cups. Perfect for the am when I am a little tight and don't want to do another Protein shake!

OK I am 7 weeks post op and have had 1 fill. I haven restriction and have only lost 10 lbs. I am looking forward to getting more fills and hopeful hitting the green zone. I just am looming for done pointers the thing I am struggling most with is not eating so fast and small bites I am a very quick eater and tend rivalry large bites. I am feeling so awkward trying to chew for so long and waiting in-between bites. Does anyone have any advice for me. I am worried that I am going to have a slip or something I has more fills. I already get stuck often from eating to fast and to big of bites.

In Mexico

Hi all, I had my first fill today as the topic title states lol It was on Wimpole Road, London... by Fredrick, one of the consultants when I had my operation. Surprisingly it was not as uncomfortable/painful as I thought it would be... i was bracing myself for pain! I even tied my hair up........ but by the time I could complain about him pushing my belly to find the port it was done! I then had to drink a cup and a half of Water and was fine, and off I went back to Moorgate for work (I went during my lunch break). I must say I am really exciting for the future even more, the weight seems to be coming off pretty sharp... people are starting to notice it and I a…

Correction

Does anyone know what would cause mucus to constantly be in my throat? I have had the lap band since May 2013

Everyone already most likely knows all about these! Well, I just found out and had to share. They were such a tasty crunchy snack, especially warm from the oven. I seasoned them with sea salt, pepper, and paprika. Yum! Wash and rinse the chickpeas (canned). Let dry a bit (pat with paper towel). Spray with a bit of olive oil and season to taste. Place in oven on a baking sheet for 45 minutes at 425F. Voila! Yummy, high Protein snack!! Nice and easy for people like myself that cannot boil Water correctly

It's SO irritating.. Slimed twice today.. And the second time all I was eating was a chicken breast tender(baked not breaded) and Potato salad I take 2 bites and I start with chest pain. I recently got a fill two days ago and right before that iEVERYTHING was going through so that's why I thought It was a fill. I got a half a CC and I can't eat anything what the hecks going on!!! To right maybe only a half of half would of been ok. My office is closed till Monday.. Advice would be much appreciated.. Back to my soggy Cereal for dinner. -BriannaXOXO

Am I the only one that is still hunger even after eating or drinking protein? I am not doing well with this band sometimes it restricts and other times it's like I have no band at all. I have a appt. on 7-16-13 and embarrassed to go and really want to hide because I feel like I am failing. I have only lost about 30lbs since Nov 2011. I need some major motivation!!!!

Really having a bad day! Asking myself why did I do this!! I know it's all in my head but I'm feeling so weak and sore

Hi all, i go over my upper GI results with my surgeon on friday but Im curious if anyone knows what it means when you tighten your stomach muscles during the test & barium flows back up your esophagus. I had a slip, total unfill, may 29th. I have a feeling i have a hiatal hernia.