LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

I just found this site the other day. I'am having my lap band surgery this Wednesday at Hurley Hospital In Flint MI. I'am on a liguid diet for 1 week before and two weeks after the surgery. I had to purchase the Liguid kit on line for 228.00. So far so good, its day four. Any advice for before or after surgery? Cheryl

I went shoppin today and i tried on a pair of pants..TWO sizes smaller then my old size (22 down to an 18) needless to say i bought those pants LOL My BMI had gone down from 44.5 to 41 hard to believe that with a few more pounds gone i wouldn't even qualify for surgery!

Well, as promised, here is my thread about my experience with my first fitness assessment since I started this journey. I had one done more than 5 years ago as part of my last supervised weight loss attempt. It was an awesome program, btw, and it might be something I do again once I finish with my university. And the only reason why I would do that is because the program was so awesome and I would be working with a trainer for 3 times a week. It would be more the fitness aspect that I'd be working on than the weight loss aspect. But I digress. The fitness assessment is one of the things that my University offers as part of our student wellness program, and costs $10.…

I have hit a plateau and know I need to increase my Water intake, but do not have a natural love of water, but love iced tea with splenda and flavored fruit waters, but still struggle to get in over 66 oz per day, I need about double this amount but fail to accomplish this daily. I know it would probably help me pass this plateau I am on. Got any ideas on how to include more of it daily? Schedule you go by for water intake? Rewards for getting in certain amount etc.? Sounds silly but I need help on this one. thanks for any info.

When it starts creeping up my butt, I know that's a sign of weight gain. Oh how I long for my young anorexic days when I had the willpower to say "NO" to food. I want that gaunt, gray, pale look again. You know, the one where skin sags and you have no color? I don't like being pink and fat. I want to be gray. I haven't been able to get back on track. Sexy underwear creeping up the butt isn't very sexy, and I don't want to go back to Granny Panties. Sipping my diet tea. Is anyone here marketing crack cocaine? Do you take credit cards?

Well I am trying to figure out what this is going to be like? I see some people eat sandwiches, pasta, soda pop and I hear that these are no no's. I am trying to see what my everyday life may be like and how I am going to cook for an unbanded family. Please answer yes or no I will try and make this easy so you can cut and paste.... 1. Bread 2. Pasta 3. Pop 4. Tortillas 5. Salad 6. Steak 7. Roast 8. Cereal 9. Hamburger 10. Pizza 11. Apples 12. Chips 13. Cheese 14. Shrimp 15. Pop corn 16. Pretzels I do realize that protein, veggies, and fruits come first, and I cant see how there will be room for anything else but I am just wondering how this works …

Wires strapped to your body, goo all in your hair, things shoved up your nose, and extreme paranoia...they are watching... Ready for Halloween? Or... a sleep study? This was the weirdest experience of my life, a blasted Sleep study in Richardson, TX. It took 30 minutes to hook up all the wires, glue things to my skull, and put things up my nose. Then it took about an hour for me to fall asleep. You must sleep on your back or they will wake you up and put you on your back. That was the hardest thing. ***News Flash*** I snore! The tech would not tell me anything else, except that she did not notice me stop breathing much. (how much is much?) She said that th…

It's a funny thing! So I learned last night that the 6 weeks of not drinking before and after my surgery apparently brought my tolerance DOWN! I was toast after 1 1/2 drinks - I mean you would not have wanted to be in public with me! Next time I go out I'll try 1/2 a drink at tops!

Hey all, my date is the 14th Nov....3 weeks away im getting both scared and excited

If you love pumpkin, you'll love this.... at least I do. This recipe was give to me by one of my best friends who has lost 85+ lbs by following a Mediterranean diet. She is not banded. She is truly amazing and has learned to cook so healthy and wonderful. Thanks LINNY !!!!! You can adjust this recipe any way you like and it still turns out wonderful. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 cup chopped red bell peppers 1 clove garlic 1 pound ground chicken breast or turkey 2 (14.5 ounce) cans canned peeled and diced tomatoes 1 (15 ounce) can LIBBY'S® Pumpkin Pie 1 (15 ounce) can canned tomato sauce 1 (15.25 ounce) can canned kidney Beans, d…

i've always been comfortable exercising and playing sports for fun. but i get "tight" when i'm working with a trainer who expects things of me. it almost instantaneously drains the fun out of it. i also love to dance, but i have a hard time learning choreography! do you like moving your body?

The last couple of times that I have had a PB I have noticed little specks of blood in it. 1st time it happened I kind of blew it off because I wasn't sure if that was actually what it was or if maybe it was food. Well last night I am positive that it was blood. I didn't have anything red and hadn't had anything with red IN it. I called my doctor's office this morning and exlained everything to the nurse. 1st question she had for me was is the PB a common occurrance - for which it's not. She told me to take it light maybe stick to liquids and mushies for today. Said that maybe I just had an irritated eshophogas and that could be where the blood is from. She told me…

Hi everyone, I just returned back to work after being off for a week. I wanted to let everyone know my experience with the band. I got banded on 4-28-05. I had probably 10 fills and unfills since then. I lost 23 pounds total up and down in that time frame. Not impressive by any means, other than the fact was I hadn't lost any weight before due to yoyo dieting. It seems like I was either to tight or not enough restriction. Some of my fills were quite painful. But to make a long story short, on Sept 8th I ate a roll for Breakfast. About 1/2 hour later I felt like I had to vomit, like something was stuck. I ended up vomiting through the day as well as through the night. Th…

I will be banded Oct/Nov. Im not sure if this is in Houston or Humble. I is on Little York Rd.Anyone been banded there???? Suggestions for a motel for the hubby to stay at. Thanks Ladysplenda

Had second fill yesterday under flouroscope. 2.6cc total in my 4cc band Today I did nothing but PB everything I had. coffee I could feel being held up and 1 piece of cheese would not go down. Stayed on mostly liquids and have felt "stuck" all day. Should I give it a few days and see if it gets better? Should I stay on liquids for a few days? HELP

Ok i had my 3rd fill today..... My doc told me to have 2 days of Clear liquids and then 2 days of mushies... Well i had unbearable hunger. And im always good at fighting it. But i had to eat somthing so i ate a tiny tiny serving of watery mash potatoes. And now im scared i hurt myself. So i was wondering what are other people told to do after fills? is it possible i hurt my band? i feel so guilty... now what could be wrong with me? Kim

Oh my God! I,was watching Discovery Channel Show on. Anorexia, & Bulimia... them poor, people talk about and eating disorder, they can,t help them self,s. One, lady weighed 63 pound,s 22 year,s old, poor girl she just started throwing up to lose weight now she, can,t quit it became Physiolgical and is with all of them. And Anorexia, is the number one killer of people age 15 to 24 Physiological problems. Wow, the flip side of being over weight..... Id, rather be over weight then have to fight that! it was scary I ,must live a sheltered life because I, have never paided any mind to it! maybe because I,was over weight! well to get to a happyer note how is ev…

What the HECK is this baseball doing under my skin?!? Seriously, I'm two weeks post surgery...and when I stretch or raise my arms up there is this creepy lump under my skin. Yeah...I know it's the port, but can you tell me if it goes down at all...is it still just inflamed and healing? I just don't want to scare small children on the beach when my soon-to-be-formed six pack has a lumpy alien protuding out. ...I can just hear the children screaming now....oh, no wait, I forgot to to turn my son's night light on! Gotta' jet! Jon

I'm going in anyone up to a little chattin

Hello all, I have enjoyed following this site for a few months. And now, I'm going to get the band next week! I am both excited and apprehensive. My sign-in name is a little tongue-in-cheek. I just want to be a healthy weight, but I have never worn a bikini in my life - ever! - so that's sort of a dream goal. I have a few questions: 1. How does one take medications? (grind them up? chew them?) 2. Can you still drink coffee? 3. How do you all get those neat ticker tapes at the bottom of the screen? Thanks and I look forward to using this site in years to come!

So, I was banded 8/25, got my first fill 10/8 and haven't lost a fricken' lb since my fill! What the??? I am eating maybe 1/2 than I ate pre-band, and the only time I feel my band is in the am, after that, she's open wide. I'm eating ALOT healthier, watching carbs, minimal sugar, tons of veggies and lean meats, soda gone, candy & ice cream gone, so I'm sure that has contributed to the weight I have lost. So, I'm thinking that fill didn't do squat and I need another one? That sound right? I'm going on vacation in 2 weeks to Hawaii and I don't want anything bad to happen while I'm gone, so should I wait til I get back to get the fill or do it now? Thoughts? I n…

Hi, I'm the new kid on the block. I am trying to work up the nerve to have the surgery...I was already commiting myself to it but after reading some of these threads I have to admit it's scaring me a bit! We are in the process of benefits enrollment at work - I can pick United Healthcare or Cigna HMO. Which one is more likely to approve for Lap Band Surgery...if I decide to go through with it? Sue

It’s been an amazing journey of many highs and some pretty low lows. I wouldn’t trade a second of it for anything. I am a new person because of my band. Looking back, it really was the decision that I was worthwhile enough to take care of my health and sanity that changed my life. I was researching the bypass when I remembered seeing something on the news a year or so ago about this “band”. It didn’t take me long to discover the alternative to dissecting my stomach and forever changing the landscape of my digestive system. I was in the right place at the right time and all it took was one phone call and I was considered for the FDA trials for a new type of band…

Well, this time next Friday I will be banded. I have been amazingly calm about this. I am going to Monterrey, so I have dealt with all the financial crap. Got a personal loan and cashiers check. I have my travel arrangements. Just ordered some unjury protien mix and will stock up on liquids this weekend. Got some IcyHot stick ons and some GasX. Now I am running out of details to think about and am getting the jitters about the actual surgery. No second thoughts, just normal nervousness. It is getting close. Is there anything else that I should get beforehand (to have on hand) to make this as smooth and painless as possible? Oh my gosh, nervousness aside, I l…

Its kinda funny, but not in a funny way, before I was banded I never got sick. I am seeming to get everything going around now since banding. It has been a bad winter here with lots of colds etc and I have got each and every one of them. I havent been well over the last few days so I went to the doctors and got checked out today and found out I have an ear infection, a throat infection, chest infection and sinuitis(sp). I am on 2 different antibiotics and an over the counter sinus med. Is this the case with anyone else, or do I maybe need to get back on the vitamins?

...so I'm at work yesterday getting absolutely slammed with stuff to do. I didn't take a lunch... heck I didn't even have time to go to the kitchen to get a 2nd glass of Water... I didn't bring my lunch either <bad girl>... anyway when I get home, I'm STARVING!!!! I mean the kind of starving where your stomach hurts, your head hurts, and you're nauseous. So what do I do? Go to WHATABURGER of all places (side bar, I haven't been to Whataburger since a month before being banded) I ordered a grilled chicken sandwich combo, substitute the white bun for a wheat bun. I ate the WHOLE THING... plus the fries... plus a lemonade. I went in for my first fill today... …

Hi all, I was just prescribed some antibiotics for a UTI and they are huge. I have been crushing them (OK'd by the DR) but I am having trouble finding something to mix the powder into that doesn't make me gag. I have tried Peanut Butter (the best so far but at 2x a day for 7 days thats a lot of extra calories), Jello and apple sauce. The pills are really bitter and I feel ill for about a half hour after getting the stuff down. Any advise would be appreciated!! Thanks,

I just read an article on www.ingentaconnect.com (an austrailian med article website) It said that a study they did on 118 patients showed that the gastric band is semipermeable and that they found a small reduction of saline solution in the band ring over time. The said that is why sometimes people have a problem with finding the right fill or retaining it. They recommend that you get your fill checked every 6 months. Just a little piece of info that I found informative.

Hey All, I just read the Taco Bell thread and I have a bad bad bad confession of my own. I ate Chipotle' last night, I had a bowl with Chix, Rice, Black Beans, cheese and a touch of Salsa, Sour Cream and a couple of chips. I was only able to eat about a fouth of it, but man did it taste good. I had my surgery on Sept 20th and now I feel like I can eat ANYTHING again, just without a whole lot of liquid, I definatly can eat a lot less of food, but my restriction is basically non-existant. I have a fill on Nov 10th which I think will kick my butt into shape. Question: When you are not restricted you can still do damage to your stomach and band by eating too much? Corr…

I have just received my 2nd fill today. This one was under fluroscope as oppossed to the first fill done "blind". I also have the Vanguard Band and now have a total of 4ccs. My fill today only consisted of 1cc. I was banded on 8/9/05, and have managed to lose 33lbs. I don't have alot of restriction, but I have definately been eating somewhat sensibly (compared to prebanding). I have also been exercising like a madman! Actually, I'm kinda obsessed about working out! I feel VERY guilty and down on myself if I don't get AT LEAST 1hr. of Cardio each and every day! I work at the DFW airport, and when I get a break or on my luch time, I power walk the terminals. It's a blast…

Well, my surgery date of Jan 5th is no more. University of So Cal required patients covered under their BC Administered ins to complete a "Lifestyle Redesign" program before surgery. I completed the 4 month program when I was interested in GB in 2003. Because it's been longer than 12 months, I have to recomplete the classes to be eligble for coverage. The classes are pretty much like Weight Watchers except they follow a plan called "The 5 Day Miracle Diet" (as if). Basically it's high protien low carb. Last time I lost 25 lbs and kept it off, so I know it won't HURT, it's just a bummer. I have a lot going on right now anyway, I'm building a home to be completed in mid…

Some people were asking about the negative study I found on lap band and here it is-- My Dr put me to ease though he was able to refute most of it with scientific data. This print is small hope you can read it! Dont know how to make it bigger but I will try! Jill Laparoscopic Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding (LASGB or LAP-BAND):<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> Recent advances in laparoscopy have renewed the interest in gastric banding techniques for the control of severe obesity. Laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding (LASGB) using the adjustable LAP- BAND, has become an attract…

Since no DR in North Carolina wants to do lapband with Medicare ! I'm researching Dr Luri & Sancheze Dr Gonzales will do my fills Cost $$$ Hidden Cost $$$ Plane and accomodations How much does a fill cost Any and all experiences anyone has had with these dr's Thanks Ed

I have been having a pain in my left side and dry heaves. My doctor did a colonscopy and cat scan (regular doc) and said he sees nothing. However, he does want me to contact Dr. Malley or Lopez and have them look me over as he feels my band may have slipped or adhesed to another part of my anatomy. Has ANYONE else ever experianced this wonderful phenomonom? I had laid off the fills until we found out what was going on. My restriction is odd...sometimes I cannot get two bites down (of anything) without it sticking and other times I can eat a house....I am getting so sad as I want this to work but not having a left side ache all the time. Also, when I bend over I feel…

I just sent this to a friend and I thought you guys might be able to give me some independent analysis. I’m so busy worrying about all this, I don’t know if I’m seeing this clearly. I know this is long, but any thoughts/ideas/feedback would be welcome. Thanks all, SJ I’m still pondering the whole lap-band surgery thing. I’ve decided I’m definitely going to do it. The problem is, I have a few options and I don’t know what to do. I’m pretty miserable in my current state so I want to do it now now now, but if I could be patient, it really would be better for me. Option 1: HMO Pros: everything (except $500) would be covered – pre-appointments, surgery, anesthesia, h…

I thought I read a post the other day from someone asking about what the doctor can put in the letter to improve your chances of getting approved. I can't find that message to reply to, so I'll just post it here in case anyone is interested. I got this from Daniel Freeman Hospital here in L.A. http://www.danielfreemanmemorialhospital.com/HospitalServices/PayingForSurgery A Discussion of Your Insurance Options At some point, after you have spent a considerable amount of time exploring the option of weight loss surgery, you will need to determine how to pay for the procedure. A growing number of states have passed legislation that requires insurance companies to provi…

i heard a radio advertisement for a company that does nothing but help people get approved for WLS. it was called new weigh, i think. but i can't find it anywhere on the internet. i tried all sorts of spellings, but nothing. anyone else heard of it?

Got my staples out today....yah. I've lost 10lbs since the morning I went in the hospital...not shabby. While waiting for my visit there was a lady that had gastric bypass four weeks ago and has lost 30lbs. They have us following the exact same diet. She said she had to do puree for 2 weeks after liquids? Yuck...I guess I'll find out my fate next week when I go to the nutritionist for sure. Or Angie might jump in and tell me. I've done good so far on the liquids...haven't cheated yet. I did buy me some gum today...I know I know I won't swallow it...but damn this girl needed to chew. Melissa

Just checking in to see how you are doing? How many cc's do you have and are you losing? I'm feeling like I might need another small fill but I'm already at 8.7 cc's and I still have 65 more pounds to go! Do I just wait it out and up my exercise (which I should do anyway) or should I get another small fill? Anyway, just wondering how others are doing with the big vanguard band! Thanks!

Ok.. if you wanna tell me "your supposed to wait a year" i dont want to hear it... I get that surgeons want you to wait a year. =) I want to get pregnant now. Its 6 months after surgery I'm down like 80 lbs and I don't want to wait another 6 months to start trying. My husband and I have been married for 4 years, together for 5. For the first time in our relationship he has started to talk about really wanting to get pregnant and starting our family. We tried for all of those years btw.. including a few months on clomid. So hear I am thinking.. do I ask my surgeon? Cuz if he says to wait.. well what happens if I dont wait? is he going to be upset at me? I have lo…

What is sex like with the band? With someone on top of you, does it smash into your port? Is there any discomfort? honest (although slightly embarrassing) question.

I think it would be great to form a forum/board just for people who need to lose 100 + pounds to include those who have lost 100+ pounds. I bet you would get some good responses. Be nice to confer with others who have lost 100+ pounds when we hit plateaus, etc.

Hi all, I am looking to understand the life after banding. The fills and when needed, Everything about life after banding. What if anything that you can't eat. ETC........ I had Gastric Bypass Surgery in June of 2003, and have lost 168#'s. Recently a friend was banded, and I am curious as to the differences between banding and the surgery. I would appreciate anything that you would like to share to help educate me in banding, Thanks Wendy

Well , I have been hesitant to weigh myself because I felt like I really pigged out this weekend. First weekend back on regular foods, and of course I really can't eat that much, but I did have three meals and two Snacks for three days in a row. Got all my Protein in but also had a few things I probably shouldn't have. Of course, a half a slice of pizza compared to the three slices I could eat before- I'm going to consider that a good thing :-) So I got on the scale this morning- and I have lost 4 more pounds!!! This band really does work- I guess I am eating less than I think! 1.4 more pounds to Onederland!!!!! I think I am going to lower my final goal weight-hence t…

Do not burn new Yankee Peppermint Cocoa candle when trying to avoid sugar and all forms of treats. Stupid candle-- Now I'm craving brownies!

Its an exercise thread folks VERB = ITS WHAT YOU DO !!! It can be walking, running, riding your bike, gardening, cleaning, just as long as you get up and MOVE!! Come on and join in (you don't have to be from Jersey). SO, WHAT DID YOU DO TODAY ????? Come on, impress me

Anyone up for an exercise challenge? I've been battling a cold this past week, and have totally gotten out of my exercise routine, not to mention eating ALOT of comfort food. I propose a challenge to exercise 30 minutes each and every day. Each day we will post how much and what type of exercise we did, this means anything that raises your heartrate: housework, walking, gardening, riding a bike, swimming, whatever. Perhaps we can start a new post each Monday, then edit it with the stats as the week progresses. Who's with me?

When you weigh in, do you weigh in with clothes on or off (gown on?) What about shoes?

I had my first appt today, and it went well. Wow you can really tell this is a money maker for the surgeon as everyone is SO INCREDIBLEY NICE! LOL much nicer than usual! Well actually I know this surgeon and he is nice most of the time anyway. He is really going to try and help me get the surgery approved and said I should know in 2 weeks or so. This is going soooo fast! The nurse told me the psych eval was not covered by insurance and it is $495.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my goodness-- I need to get a degree in psych and charge $ 250.00 do a couple evals a couple days a week make some serious money!!! Anyway my surgeon said I didnt have to have one unless my in…

9/18/05 Would really like to hear some feedback from those who were banded in July 2005. Need to here how your progress is going. Here are my stats - Banded 7/27/05 in Everett, Wa. @ NWWLS by Dr. Montgomery. Pre surgery 296, day of 292, 1st preop visit 286, 1st fill 9/8 268. Lately getting alittle despondant now that newness is wearing off. Maybe there are other who would be willing to share their experience with me. This sight has been so supportive of me and those who have been banded for some time have given me such wisdom and insight, it has been invaluable. But I would like to know how others like myself are doing. (ie have you had pb's, have you got an eating plan…