LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

I tried to attach some before pics on the before and after pics thread and somehow I have links - not pics....can you help me out here? Thanks - Nancy

Hi Penni I still couldn't get the site to accept my picture. What am I doing wrong? Thanks

I m considering this surgery with great trepidation. I have asthma and high blood pressure but I really need this at 425# 5'9'' Im huge. Legs swollen and can only walk a few feet before my breath and back put me down again I just guess I needed to vent so thanks!

Did any of you have your pcp make it difficult to get your surgery. First he wouldnt sign off on my surgery because my blood pressure was too high. Um well gee doc I weigh just shyof 400 pounds and I just walked almost a mile from the parking lot thanks to construction.... So i am going back this afternoon but then he tells me that he needs the results of my bloodwork back before he will approve the surgery. Problem with that is the test cant be done more than 2 weeks before the surgery or they will not be any good for the surgeon and i will have to pay for them again ... and they wont schedule the surgery with out his approval ... AND IM SELF PAY. my surgeon has already …

Wish me luck you guys! I am leaving in about 10 minutes to get my 1st fill and I am terrified! I know I shouldn't be scared but it is the not knowing what is going to happen is what is killing me! My stomach is in knots! C'est la vie!

New Information on Port Infections Another long post - grab some coffee. Yesterday I had a long talk with one of the world's top band experts (opined by me, Inamed, and thousands of others.) Names aren't important at this point - it's all common sense. Do not accuse me of spreading rumors or slamming doctors. My telephone reception wasn't the clearest since I was talking to another country, so don't quote my exact words. This source is famous around LBT and other boards for his stellar reputation. Do not ask for names, I'm not here to insult or slam anyone. If you don't like what this says, ignore it, but I'm compelled to share based on what I believe to be trut…

&&&&&&& Bottom of Form 1 WHAT THIS PROVES IS HOW UNEDUCATED WE WERE AT THAT TIME OF BEING BANDED...BUT WE REALIZE NOW HOW POORLY WE WERE TREATED IF AN ANTI-INFALAMITORY OR A STEROID WAS GIVEN TO ME MAYBE I COULD HAVE BEEN UP AND AROUND LIKE YOUR FRIEND WHO WAS DANCING AT THE CLUB AFTER ONLY TEN DAYS OF SURGERY AND DRINKING , WHEN YOU TOOK US OUT DRINKG THE NIGHT BEFORE OUR OPERATIONS DRINKING AND EATING (GOT US DRUNK) LESS THAN EIGHT HOURS BEFORE SURGERY,,,I AM SURE YOUR FRIEND GOT HIS STEROIDS...SO YOU SEE WE ARE BECOMING EXTREMELY EDUCATED ,ESPECIALLY AFTER 6 MONTHS OF DOING OUR HOMEWORK , GOSH …

I am going to let everyone read the letters I received from Andres and Violet concerning my operation at the Molding Clinic in Tj...Hopefully everyone can come to their on conclusions. Please remember We have not heard from them since the operation.approx seven months ago.And now since I saw another post from someone else with a bad experience I wanted everyone to hear about my experince there with Andres as my Patient Cordenator and since I posted my letter titled " Dr Huacus and Andres in Tj" ....I have been plaqued with these letters of harrassment from Violet and Andres formally the molding clinic.I just don't want anyone to have this doubts ...here goes ...any help …

Now t HI VIOLET, I AM SURPRISED YOU ONLY WROTE TO ME WHEN YOU HEARD SOMETHING NEGITIVE...I HAVE BEEN POSTING ON THAT FORUM NOW FOR MONTHS NOW,I AM NOT AFRAID TO TELL ABOUT MY HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE AND WHO DID IT...WE HAD TO BEG FOR HELP FROM ANDRES AND I DID HAVE TO BEG TO HAVE THE BAND REMOVED, I HAD A HIGH FEVER AND WAS SEVERLY DEHYDRATED ,THE DR. SAID MY BLOOD PRESSURE WAS VERY LOW...AND NOT TO MENTION , I COULD'NT BREATH VERY WELL AND OH MY GOSH THE CHEST PAIN..AND THE VOMITING.AFTER WE WERE ABANDED AT A HOTEL FOR 4 1/2 DAYS FEELING LIKE THAT WHO WOULD'NT BEG TO HAVE IT REMOVED.....NOW THAT I HAVE LEARNED MORE ABOUT TH…

Hi, I am still pretty new here, have only posted twice. Anyway... I am not banded yet, but I have met with the surgeon and have set up both the cardiologist and the pulmonologist appointments. Well, today the surgeon called me and asked me at which of his facilities I want to have my surgery done, and I got this weird horrible feeling like "OMG! It might really happen! What am I thinking??? I can't do this!" I'm mostly afraid, terrified actually, of having issues like horrible acid reflux, difficulty swallowing, PB'ing, not being able to stick the four week post-op liquid diet and thus messing somehing up, scared about my esophagus, not being able to eat foods like ri…

In the course of my evaluation with the nutritionist, she told of an idea during the semi-sold stage of recovery. Puree cooked foods and spoon them into ice trays to freeze. When it's time to eat, pop out the food cubes you're having for that meal and microwave them. I'm not there yet, but in theory it sounds like a good idea to me. Please let me know if any of you have tried this and how well it worked. Thanks!

Let's get a list going for the November surgery dates. I'm on November 10 and can't wait. Scared and excited at the same time.

Well, I tried a couple of sips of protien shake Monday morning and that triggered another bout of spitting up foam for 3 hours, and then I couldnt get a sip of anything to stay down all day. Having a horrid pain like air wants to come UP and cant. Pain was nonrelenting, and had no fluids all day so I went to e.r. last night around 10. I was in e.r. for 2 hours when someone finally came and took me to get stomach x-rays. I said "I am going to get x-rays and I havent seen or spoken to a dr. yet?". Got back in my waiting room and waited another hour. Doctor finally came in (looked about 28 with diamond studs in both ears and gelled spiky hair?) and did a brief talk and then …

almost 3 months out and I thought I was going to be one of the lucky ones, I could eat anything (just not as much) and not have a problem. But I was wrong. I had breakfast around 8:oo am. I went to the mall at lunch time. I know my stomach was empty had a very small breakfast. I got a cheese won ton. oh boy was that a mistake. I only took one small bite. I was running thru the mall trying to get outside. I made it to one of the side doors. I was so greatful that no one was standing there. Foam was pouring out my mouth when I open the door. I don't understand this. I thought you only had PB's when you ate to much or to big a bite or to fast. I know I had done ne…

My port is located right over my belly button... just sitting here thinking... when/if I decide to have children, is it going to stick out? Wonder if it will be a problem in that location? What if I have to have a tummy tuck? Hmm... ~P.

My doc says most people have no restriction before a fill but I am getting worried b/c I can eat more and more everyday. Today I had 1/3 cup egg salad for breakfast, an egg salad sandwich and a few cheetos for lunch, 3 cookies in the afternoon, and 1 1/2 cups spagetti and a small spoon of green beans. This seems like about 4/5 of what I could eat pre-band. I'm sure I just need a fill but I am so worried about slippage, stretched pouch, etc. Did anyone else eat almost as much as pre-band before a fill?

Why am I so exicted about a dag on grocery store sale. I am tripping, I look at the paper, I go to the website, I make a list, change the list, add, to the list, call people tell them about the sale. I get to the store early to spend money on stuff because it is on sale. I don't buy stuff I don't need but I am getting on my own nerves being geeked up about a dag on Safeway Grand Re Opening Sale. Is it the thought of food or discounted food. That will be gone down the crapper in a minute. I have always liked the grocery store. It would depress me to go to the clothing store because I couldn't fit anything. But going to the grocery store was wonderful. I would say…

Hi Everyone I just got back from mexico last night. Dr.Rumbaut did my fill under floro.& put in 2cc. I had no problem with any liquide & The doctors said if I can deal with that to try soft food. No problems on soft foods yet even though I dident try to eat to much of it. The funny thing is that I feel more hungry today than before my fill. Is this normal or are some days tighter than others? Why with 2cc Im not feeling like I have a good fill. My doctor said this may be my only fill for a while but Im not feeling that yet. Mexico is much to far to go back to soon. When he was doing the fill there was more in the band but took it out because the liquid wasent pas…

I just assumed I had a 4cc band, but found out today that that is not the case. I had my first fill 9/26 and the doctor told me he put in 5 cc....well, I thought he meant .5cc!! Today during my second fill he tells me that I have the larger band (can squeeze up to 14 cc in it!!) and that he did in fact put in 5 cc the first time. BUT, when he pulled out the saline he got only 2 cc out....so, where did the other 3 cc go? He said that the first fill may have been miscalucated or I could have a LEAK!!?? Then he put a total of 3 cc back in......so, it is less then the first fill!! Well, I am confused to say the least....and I was praying as I drove home that I do not hav…

Hi. I will be having the Lap-Band placed on 1/3/06. I am so excited but anxious too. I have failed at all attempts to either lose or keep off what little weight I did lose in the past. I am worried that I might be a failure again. Did anyone ever feel this way and if so, how does this compare to your dieting experiences in the past? I am also concerned about hunger and the sinking feeling I get if I go too long before eating. I am a fairly new diabetic and when I get hungry, I get shaky and feel like I may pass out. Do you still feel like that with the lapband? Thanks

My surgery is one week away. And as much as I want this and have had to fight with Cigna im getting a little frightened. I dont know whats going to happen. I have not met with Dr Benavides personally yet. Not until the day before. Please someone what will happen. Do they do anything so you dont get clots, die , etc?

I am wondering if you all know any good/practical books on lap band. I ordered the one written by Dr. Ortiz....it hasn't arrived and my surgery date is just around the corner!!!! Do you all have any book suggestions???? Dana

I have been having pain in the area of my port . It just started a few days ago and it mostly hurts when I bend over or lean to my left , if feels like something is stabbing into me . I am going for my first fill next week but I am getting nervous about this pain wondering if it is normal . I will talk to the doctor about it but in the mean time I was wondering if anyone else has had this kind of experience . Please let me know I am gettting worried that something is wrong . thanks for all your help . Diane

Can someone help me make the last photo in my other pix post into an avatar? I have no idea how to do that. Thanks!

I am still trying to get my daughter approved. She is 17 and 254 lbs. I was so in hopes that we could go together.I postponed my surgery giving us more time to get her approved. But the insurance company is taking there time.They told me two weeks it would have been two weeks Friday. Now they are saying 14 business days. Maybe we will find out Thursday. I fear it will be a turn down because see will not be eighteen till Dec 24th.They turned me down the first time said they did not cover lapband at all. BUT THEY DID HEHE Because she has seisures I am nervous for her to have surgery and it is because of her weight that she has the seisures. She cannot exercise she h…

I suggest everyone go to the individual state postings to post a fill doctor. It will be much easier to sort out those that are close. Please indicate the Name, Location, Telephone number and if he or she does post Mexican Surgery fills. Please do not say anything negative, just don't post a name you are unhappy with. :mad:

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Hey guys...I stink at posting pictures...Its hard for me to get full body pictures...but as God as my witness I will be getting a digital camera soon~~~ I did a side by side comparison to post here (hopefully) of just after my surgery and a recent one....Soooo take a lookie...... There is a HUGE difference~~~

We LBTers are having a fun Christmastime gift exchange this year!!! I know that not everyone always looks in the Lobby area, which is where the thread is at to participate. If you'd like to join, please respond by saying that you'd like to be included. It's a $10 gift limit, and you only have to participate if you want to! Hurry to sign up, because the deadline to be included in this is November 5th! If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me anytime! ~Kelly

Hello All! Thank you so much for all the encouraging words. I had my Surgery on Oct 25th and I think I'm doing pretty good. The advice for the gasX and heating pad was right on the mark. I don't think I would of survived without them. I'm up and around. The soreness is almost gone except for the port incision of course. I lived the first four days on my recliner, finally made it to my bed so things are alot nicer. The only real thing that is driving me crazy is the gas. Burp Burp Burp Burp that is all I do. Plus that great air bubble that forms in the middle of my chest. Does this go away completely or am I destined to be a gassy the rest of my life. Hope not. …

We LBTers are having a fun Christmastime gift exchange this year!!! I know that not everyone always looks in the Lobby area, which is where the thread is at to participate. If you'd like to join, please respond by saying that you'd like to be included. It's a $10 gift limit, and you only have to participate if you want to! Hurry to sign up, because the deadline to be included in this is November 5th! If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me anytime! ~Kelly

I am currently in the process of collecting success and complication stories to include in a new book about the Lapband. If you're interested in having your story included, please email: testimonials@newhealthdawning.com for more information. I'm so excited about this project! :banana

Its been awhile since I been here, and for those of you who remember me, I just wanted to see how you guys are doing over here. As you all know I havent had band surgery, just here supporting you all who are bandsters! Take Care!!!!

Well it has come down to it. I have the money, had the lab work and EKG...all I need to do is schedule the appointment. I'm nervous though because it is SO MUCH MONEY, and I am intentionally changing my body what if I do it and feel horrible and regret it (even though inside I know that I won't). Initial worry is setting in. Please tell me all the great things about your lapband.

A commerical just came on tv for a free sample of Fiber but it's hard candy drop. I dont have a band yet but ordered one just in case http://www.fiberchoicedropsample.com/

but getting denied still sucks. No surprises, I've been denied coverage for the lapband by Tricare. They were however ever so kind as to note on the denial that they'd be more than happy to approve me for RNY. Arg! I don't want RNY! I want a lapband! I have no interest in having my insides cut up and rearranged. I'm feeling pretty discouraged about it today. I need to figure out what all I really need to do for an appeal. Quite frankly, even with an appeal, the chances of approval are next to nil. This just sucks. It will be years before I'll be in a financial situation where I'd be able to self pay. And those are years I'd rather spend healthy and fit rather th…

I hooted when I saw this because it's so true of many of us. Hope you enjoy - It's from Obesityhelp.com A thought on Fills Original Post by Caro Marks at 6:31 PM PST on 06/15/2005 Sacramento, CA I've named it "fill-psychosis" - this mad drive to....get a fill! Pre-surgery, all I thought about was getting/paying for the surgery. Surgery successfully completed, I now obsess on fills, and why not? Do I want one? Do I need one? Does my doctor think I need one? If not, can I con her into giving me one anyway? Will she give me one at gunpoint? How long ago was my last one? How many pounds have I lost since my last one... is it time for a fill or do I need its evil cousin…

Did your doctor have you stop taking them pre-op? Nobody has said anything to me about it but I dont want a clot.

Well after the long search i have finally found a job. Some of you may remeber i was complaining that i thought i was being judged on my weight. Well this job was actually a hard job for someone to get. I had to do a phone interview, then a personal interview with 4 executives...and then i had to have a hair sample drug test and background check. I was so excited to hear that they chose me. I am working at UGS in st louis. www.ugs.com I do phone work, mainly gather info for the company to use. Mon-Fri...8-5 and pays good! So point of my story is that for those of you who think they are judging on weight...just stick in there SOMETHING will come up...just might take …

Okay.. I need your help again!! I am scheduled to get my first fill by Dr. Kuri on Nov. 19th. I know Dr. Kuri is very well known and liked. That is why I chose him. What I need to know is who has had fills with him and how has their success been? I know everyone's success is their own, but I do believe a good fill is a good start, you know? So if you have had a fill from Dr. Kuri or know something I don't .. share with me!

Happy :Bunny :Bunny Birthday! :Bunny :Bunny

Hi banders!! I hope this post finds everyone well and finding successes on their road to the 'new you' I have been banned now since 03 June 2005. I just had my first fill on 26 October 2005. My process has been very slow because I was done under the NHS and not privately. Let me try to explain... After 2+ years to find a doctor who would hear my weight loss issues and refer me to a surgeon. I was finally approved for my surgery under the NHS. I then had to wait a further 18 months before the procedure was done (typical slow pace of the NHS) all this time was very trying but worth the long wait. I had my surgery in June and was at a plateau the end of July (down 26…

hello, i am going to mexico with a month 11/1/05 for my lapband surgery. I would love to hear from anyone that has had the surgery in mexico for info and there experiences there. I do not mean to leave anyone out, and would love to hear from any bandsters. I am looking in to finding a doctor for fill. I live southern oregon, and don't mind traveling the state.

I’ve done a lot of things to get myself ready to have LapBand surgery. Researched the LapBand for over a year Researched various doctors and facilities Attended 2 seminars at different facilities and plan on attending a third Checked with my insurance company and they cover 50% if you meet their requirements Talked with my Primary Care doctor Met with a nutritionist Exercising 2+ times a week Going to Weight Watchers (again) I’ve also done some thinking and worrying about whether or not I’ll be able to eat the way I’m supposed to eat for the rest of my life. Like everyone else I’ve done many different diet plans but gained all that I lost and more back…

Okay...I know I'm being obsessive....but the last 2 days I've lost NOTHING. I knew it would slow down or even stop soon....is about 12 days out right? Just want to make sure I'm normal. It seems really weird too since I've exercised a full hour both yesterday and monday. I still think my calorie intake is too low...but I can't seem to make myself drink more protien shakes at this point. I'm drinking enough to get the required protien and that is it. I get to start adding some more foods to my diet tomorrow after the nutritionist appointment, that will likely raise my calorie intake a bit.....so then will I start gaining hehehe? On another note I've developed a …

Hey all; I've a question. Did any of you try the so-called fat blockers, Cortislim (and the like). What results did you have (if any). I don't believe in them, although I do love watching the commercials, especially the testamonials with the disclaimer "Weight loss not typical." Thanks!

Hello! I'm Amy (23), mom to Bailey (2) and wife to Sean (29). I'm currently 5'" & 231lbs. I'm seriously considering getting the lap-band procedure done but I'm not too familiar with it. I've done some reading online but I think it would ease my mind to hear stories from people who have BTDT. I've tried numerous diets just to gain it all back and then some and I just really don't want to keep living this way, especially being 23. I think part of me is embarassed that I've let myself go to the point I need this surgery. I mean I've been overweight my whole life and once I had my daughter I can't seem to get under 186. I recently got pregnant again (but I miscar…

Hi,, had the band done in Mexico Oct.21. Everything went fine,,but Oct.30 i had major drainage out of my large incision.Stiches are out. Is this normal? Not much drainage now,,no pain.Thought i would ask if anyone else ha had this problem.

Well today I went for my first fill and it was nothing like I expected it to be. First of all, I just knew it was going to be PAINFUL!!! Was I ever so wrong!!!! It barely even felt like a needle was going through my belly, I saw the whole procedure( I like to see what is being done to me) and did not even move. What I did forget to ask was how much saline he put in. The needle was quite long( spinal needle) but very thin. The procedure itself was a breeze and I was worried for nothing.

I am noticing that some people are having to do a barium swallow before their surgery. I had my pre-op yesterday, and I had the EKG and lab work done, but I was not required to do a barium swallow. Is everyone supposed to do this, or is it left up to the surgeon to decide whether the patient will do one or not?