LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

OK, to start out....Today is one of my birthdays, the one my Mother and Daddy gave me 52 years ago. My other birthday is April 29th, the day I got my band and really started living again. I have not one, not two, not three but FOUR birthday events planned for me! I just hope I can keep it under control! LOL I went and saw my doctor for my 2 week checkup after surgery and told him I was going to my nephew's wedding that weekend and I would be so tempted to eat some of the wedding cake. He told me there were two types of cake he allowed...wedding and birthday. So I plan on following doctor's orders today for sure! I guess this thread is my lame way of conning happ…

I'm not sure what has happened, but I'm bleeding internally, a LOT, starting today. I went to the doctor today who ran some tests but couldn't quite see what has happened. She said I was okay to go home tonight but if I have to go to the bathroom more than once every 1/2 hour to come to the E.R. I'M SO WORRIED! I don't feel pain in my stomach at all, but I think something has happened! I exercised last night. Could that have done anything? I was just on the elliptical machine for 1/2 hour and on the bike for 15 minutes.

If you were self-pay in the US, how much did you pay out of pocket and how long was the wait between the first evaluation and the actual procedure? Oh, and a third question – does that same doctor do your fills? Thx SJ

I went to my PCP today for a UTI (yuck) and she was amazed at how much weight I had lost. She asked how much more I was thinking of losing. I am hoping to reach 100 pounds loss, so 35 more. She looked in my record, and that would bring me down to my weight when I started seeing her-TWENTY YEARS AGO ! Oh how I wish I was 19 again..... The downsize of this all is that I can't get this damn antibiotic down !!

Well I had surgery on 10/11/05 and it had seemed everything went well. I was up and walking with in an hour I was smiling and sipping my water. Everything went well. Then I started getting stomach cramps. Kinda like contractions one would come a bit of pain then pass. then they got worse. I asked the nurse for some pain meds and was told only every 6 hrs. The pain started getting worse. They then told me it was gas pain and that I needed to walk around. I was doubleing over in pain. I got maybe halfway around and they need to get me a wheelchair to take me back to my room, I threw up. They called Doc and he said it must be swelling and said some steriods would work but no…

I wasn't sure where to put this thread but I have a question....How do y'all comeback when someone asks you what you weigh? I can't believe how many people ask me that! They never asked me that before I got my band when I was so out of control but for some reason now they think they have a right to know what I weigh. I've mentioned it before that it embarrasses me to tell people how much weight I've already lost and still be this big so maybe that plays into it. They hear what I've lost and want to know what I weigh now. I just tell them I don't tell anyone what I weigh. But some keep on. A couple have even started playing the "let me guess your weight" game with me.…

I have only 11 days to go for my surgery. The nutrisionist just put me on a Glucerna drink only diet until the 24th (surgery day). She said that I may never ever drink sodas again, since it afected the band. Has anyone heard of this before or of any other "eternal" restrictions? Mr. Thin Man (future)

I read where someone called themselves a "turtle" ... one who loses weight slowly... on the band.... I have considered my self one of these... and I have had to tell my family this fact,.. "its a slow process for some... dont worry" But.. I have 4 months left to to 35 pounds and then I will be what seems to be around here as seen as really great.. a 100 pound loser in one year. I dont know if I can do it.. But I like how it has just become a goal of mine and MAYBE something that will get me to STOP the bad eating habits and pigging out I been doing at night! anyway.. Who all here has lost 100 pounds in a year or so???? I know I could look it up, but if you …

Ok everyone, I figured I needed to post a little about my journey and what's going on ......I haven't really seen any NSV's yet so I decided I needed to search for them no matter how small and this is what I've come up with. Some I'm reaching for so share a laugh with me MY NSV'S - (although few, here they are) K I noticed only one fitted shirt that used to fit tight and now it is comfortable to wear. I don't have to give my t-shirts a little stretch before putting them on. (u know what I'm talkin about) My mom noticed my belly wasn't sticking out as far as it used to even though I'm only at about 10lbs loss. We have a large box fan that we stretch across the …

This has been on my mind for a while now, and I was wondering if anyone else has gone through something similar... I have an identical twin sister. We've both always been heavy, though for the last 5 years or so I've outweighed her by about 40 lbs. We've always been very non-competitive and supportive of each others weight-loss efforts. BUT, she was not very supportive of my decision to have WLS, and tried to talk me out of it several times. I know in my heart she wants me to lose weight, so it's not a jealousy thing - she just thinks it's too extreme. I've been through several back surgeries. My neurosurgeon telling me to lose weight or I would need a back fu…

Just got back from "information night" - wow, that all happened quickly! A friend recommended a local doc and I called the office to see when their next info session was. Surprise, it was tonight! Which worked out great because vacation & work travel has me missing all other sessions this year. I'm glad I didn't have to until 2006 just to get more info! If I make the decision to do this, let's hope I can beat the average EWL, because even if I lose 55%, I'm still obese, and not THAT far from morbid obesity! (I know, factors influence averages, it's all subjective, etc.) But that's such a weird thought! This doc mentioned doing sojmething I've never heard of…

I called DR Bauman's and informed them I'd like to pursue the band instead of the RNY. They told me I had to come again. I just was there last week. THey told me to finish up preop and they would submit the paper work to UHC. IT was my understanding they do a preapproval process. Before the big approval. I'm anxious and don't think I can wait 30-45 days. Jennifer

Hello Ladies and guy's if there's any. I had posted a while about weight loss surgery. I originally wanted lap bad, then changed my consult to RNY. I had my RNY consult and my bmi was 39.4 - barely 40 so the dr indicated this would post a problem. I spoke with the insurance person at dr bauman's and she indicated they would do everything they can to get me approved. SO, I left a little discouraged because if I was 5 pounds heavier I would have qualified out right. Now, I've done my consults, my psych consult, my physical, I still need to finish the psych test, ugi, and dietician consult. Here's where my big dilemma comes in. I know I can only answer this out righ…

Hi All, I was banded on July 26th and have only lost 35 lbs. to date. My question is I notice that there are stages to the recovery period; at first I horrible spasms, then a week or so later; I experienced almost a contraction-like pain a couple of times; then the never-ending burps came; all this has passed now. Most recently, I'm having a tough time swallowing anything that isn't chewed well - it has to be almost pureed textured to get and stay down. I had a meatball for dinner last night and it came back up after swallowing. Bread is out of the question and if I forget to chew really well, I get the hiccups and a pressure-like feeling for a couple of minutes and the…

Hi All - I was wondering if I need a fill? I can eat bigger portions and I am getting hungrier by the minute. It is around my mentrual cycle but I am not sure if that has something to do with it. I do not want to sabotage my journey. I was banded 8/10. How long after surgery did you have a fill? Thanks for all your help in advance, Lisa Marie

Just a generalized question my port scar is horizontal side to side but all my other scars are up and down does any one else have this I asked my doctor and they said the muscle goes up and down and that is why he cut like that just wondering because the up and down scars are more raised. let me know

Hey all... I am in Elon, which is about 80 minutes from Charlotte - I am more than willing to drive down there ... you go right by Concord Mills afterall. However, I can't make it on a Tuesday... I work :-) Any chance of planning a weekend get-together for the future??

Hello Everyone, First time visiting this group as I have been weighing (no pun intended ) the idea of lap-banding more and more. After reading just a few of the posts I've discovered "why" I'm having so much "heartburn". I'm not sure that I have any specific questions, but rather, am looking for opinions from those of you who have "been there; done that". Being where ever you are in your phase of recovery, knowing what you now know, would you do it again, would you recommend it to someone else? thanks mli

I finally got up and exercised. I was banded July 25th and haven't exercised since. I was hoping that I wouldn't have to but since my weight loss has stalled since last month I figured I better do something. I spent 15 minutes on the rowing machine and 15 minutes on the treadmill....now I just need to keep doing it everyday and not make any excuses. Tell me what are you guys doing for exercise and do you see a difference in your weight loss. I have to get this thing moving because I have a whole closet full of size 12 clothes that I bought last year in anticipation of having my lap band surgery and losing my weight by April 9th when hubby and I are going on a 2…

Okay, so I have been on every diet ever invented! I even have a diet book that my Aunts used in the 60's & 70's that is falling apart. It has some of the weirdest diets you have ever heard of in it! I have really been thinking about the weight I have lost & regained in the past 5 or 6 years. I realized that when I get to the 300 lb mark, I always stop dieting & return to old habits. Of course the weight comes back + 20 or so. Why do I do this? I can't figure it out! Has anyone else done this & if so, why do you think you do it or did it? I have set my first SV or goal to be under 300 lbs. As of today I am 7 lbs from my first goal. I guess I'll see what ha…

Ok, I lost 14 pounds in the 5-6 days after my surgery and now it's day 14 and no more loss. Spare me the "it's time for healing not losing" and what not b/c I KNOW that!!! But knowing that doesn't make me feel better b/c I spent 12,600 bucks on this band and everyone on here makes it sound like you lose most weight in the 1st 6 months, etc. I am just annoyed and I know it's "to be expected" but it's still annoying!!!!

Hi all- I just noticed the date I joined LBT was October 2004. I can't believe it's been a year. When I first came here I had tons of questions that were always answered with kindness, knowledge and humour. I had the pleasure of speaking at a new patient seminar last week.. I'm not much of a public speaker, but I had a great time. None of the questions threw me for much of a loop. I do need to give credit where credit is due though...On more than one occassion I caught myself thinking.....What would Michele (LaMadam) or Alexandra, Or Crystal say..(---the list it way too long to add them all here). Just want to say Thanks to everybody here at LBT for a great yea…

does anybody have any good recpies for jam? lately i'v been really interested in making jam. My mother does it all the time..but different recipes would be interesting too see. i like fruit jams, but i really want a good one for red pepper jelly. if anybody has one they would like to share...that would be great! thanx.

I was banded 9/30, and have already lost 21lbs. I am thrilled. Awhile back before my fill, I asked how a restriction would feel. A few responses were pain in upper chest, you will know it, and so forth. All helpful answers. So, today another question, since I have never eaten till I was full (prefill) ( good foods only) A week ago I had my first fill, and I still continue to eat well, yet I have not dropped another ounce. Also what is enough to eat and feel with a fill? I dont want to test the waters, but isn't the restriction the beauty of the band? I have a 14cc, with a 3cc fill. Thanks Cheri

Has any one heard anything on Melissa? Her surgery is/was today, but I don't know what time.

Hello Everyone, The next Maryland Lap Band support group meeting will held on Sunday, September 18th at 1pm at the BORDERS book store in Annapolis. We will be meeting every third Sunday of each month. If you would like to join us, please e-mail me at Crystalstar1130@yahoo.com Thanks Karen

My question is why do we have to do the liquid diet before we have the surgery? My date is Oct. 25 and I am having a really hard time sticking to just liquids. Shirley

I am going to New Mexico and will be near a hot springs place. There are 2 pools, one is the arsenic pool, another is iron, and the third is baking soda. They are pretty hot but not so much that you have to get in slowly like a hot bath. Think its ok for me to go it? I think I will definitely skip the arsenic but my wounds are doing fine and seem closed up okay.

Hey everyone- I'm about 9 months post-op and I just found out I'm pregnant. I'm only about 4 weeks along but my first doctor appt isn't until June 8th and I have some questions before I go... First of all, is there anyone who is pregnant or has had a baby with the band? I'm looking for advice and your experiences. Did you have your fill taken out? How do I know if I'm eating enough or if I should have the fill taken out? How much weight did you gain if you did have your fill taken out? Have you lost it since you delivered? I have tons more questions too, I just can't think of them all. I know this sounds so selfish and stupid, but I'm terrified that if I h…

As I read the different posts, it looks like lots of you are trying to stop drinking diet coke. I still have not figured it all out, so I ask...what is so wrong with diet coke?

Hey guys~ It happened. I got attacked by the "slimes"...Oh my gosh that was not fun, nor do I want to go thru that ever again! I think I drank too quick~lemme tell ya...it was noooo honey moon! It hurt and it was gross~ I dont spit EVER! I yell at girls who spit....But I was runnin my butt into the bathroom spitting out that stuff. The minute I started spitting it all out, rather than trying to get it to go down...I was MUCH better! How much spit can one body make??? Lesson learned for now~ I have been busy with the Haunted House, and not sleeping much, and not eatting too much. Seems everything is getting stuck pretty much. My third fill has kicked in full force!!…

Haven't been on in a while!! I have not lost anymore weight. Tomorrow is a new week and I want to start doing things right. I lost 30 lbs. and haven't lost anymore in months. I just had my third fill and I am at 1.9 in a 4cc band. What I want to know is what does a good bandster eat on a normal day? Breakfast ideas? Or any ideas. And also how often does everyone exercise?? I want to make this work. I went into alot of debt for this and I have not really followed anything, but tomorrow is a new day. Thanks for any input from anyone.

Just wanted to know what does being full feel like when your eating and you feel restriction I stop but probably 10 minutes later I think the food passes and I can eat again what i'm probably want to know after you feel restriction how long does it usually last for everyone I got the band to feel full but the full feeling doesn't last long and I'm eating again help

Hi all, first I'd like to say thanks. This is my first visit to LBT and the insight that I've gotten is already helpful. I was banded 6 days ago at the Wish Center in Arizona. I love all the responses from the ladies, but was wondering if there are any other guys who have been banded on the forum? No particular reason, just looking for other guys that have had it done. Thanks again Benet

When you feel around where your port is, what do you feel. I used to feel the "flat" surface of the port but now It seems like I am feeling round parts, which I would assume are the sides. The nurse told me that my port had not "flipped or moved" and if it had, as of the last fill it had moved back. I had the band surgery on May 31st and latly when I feel the port it is rather tender and a little sore. Do you think this is normal for being this far out? I don't feel bad, but I notice the port more than usual. Any thoughts? Thanks - Sharon

As a founding member of the Slow Losers thread here on LBT, I've been thinking about restriction - or a lack thereof. I would venture a guess that the proud members of the slow losers club have had a hard time acheiving restriction with their band. We've all read about the people who wake up from surgery, perfectly restricted and don't need a fill for months. Or the people who were able to hit their 'sweet spot' after one or two fills. I believe that these lucky people are the rabbits amongst us - and their restriction is what enables to run ahead of us. Most of the slow losers I've heard from haven't really been able to feel very restricted - sometimes it's a lack of…

I am still not sure I understand what PB-ing is...sorry to be so slow. Can someone explain it to me in detail? Why do you call it PBing? Along the same lines, aren't you guys scared that you might get the flu and have to throw up and the throw up won't be able to make it back out very quickly? I probably get the flu or a bout of food poisioning (no thanks to my mother-in-law's cooking) and have to throw up at least once or twice a year. What happens...do you just not throw up, or do you half throw up and half dry heave...sorry that sounds nasty.

I know I am being a worry-wart but whoever it was that said her friend had a slippage on the mushies when she ate chicken scared the heck out of me. Every meal I can eat more and more and I think it's b/c the swelling is going down. I can eat about a cup of food at a time now. But then after I read that post I started worrying that maybe I've slipped. How do you know if there is a slip and how do they fix it?

Hi everyone. I just got home from having the surgery. I'm exhausted so I will write more tomorrow, but the one thing wanted to ask about is swelling. I didn't notice it while I was in teh hospital, but now that I'm home, I'm noticing that I am very swollen. Is this normal? I don't see it listed in any of my literature. Thanks!

Hi Everyone, my name is Annie! I am new to this site, I have been reading post's off and on all weekend and have found this so helpful, supportive and informative. I have been researching WLS for a couple of years, and the lap band for about two months. I feel this is the best option for me. I have alot of weight to loose, and probably would loose more on the by-pass but I don't want to put my body through that. Plus with the amount I have to loose it would be safer to loose it slowly. SO, I am self pay. I have been to a couple of seminars in the Kansas City area (I am from Iola!) But I think I have decided to to go Monterrey Mexico. I was a little uneasy at first going t…

I'm one of those people who has told a few friends and relatives about my band, but I'm not an "out" bandster at work -- or at least I didn't think I was, until a co-worker asked me what my goals were for the "mysterious surgery" I underwent in August. Well, I've been thinking. Of course I want to be healthier, look better, etc. I'm not a goal-oriented sort, but I came up with a couple of others: 1. To weigh less than any of my brothers for the first time since birth. 2. To be able to buy clothes in a "regular" store and department, and not have to pay the women's-size premium when ordering through a catalog. (Notice how petite sizes don't cost any LESS than misses.)…

Hello All, Well I got banded yesterday and this is my first ight at home. I have been STARVING on this Clear liquids diet. All I can get down me is broth and a touch of gatorade. I feel so weird. I cannot sleep and to boot I am not at home I am at my parents house. What on earth do I do? I have the diet plan and I am ready to go, but I am so hungry? But my tummy hurts from the operation. Am I just a crying baby here? Do most of you guys out there have scales? I don't have one and I don't know if I should go get one tomorrow? Also my discharge papers said I should not drive for 2 WEEKS??? I need some help here gals..Any word of advice? Jen

hi i am newly banded with the johnson and johnson swedish band in Mexico. I live in Tucson and need a arizona doc that will do the fills johnette

I was banded in Tijuana MX. by Dr. Kuri on 02/14/05. At that time I weighted 275 lbs. and got my first fill two months later. I had success with the first fill until I hit a plato and got stuck. Drove to TJ and received my second fill at 1.9 cc. I imediately felt no change and unfortunately I could not schedule another adjustment do to a trip. Two days ago finally I made it to the doctor's office and was filled with 3.0 cc. It's been two days and my stomach is very tight and the feeling is just like when I first had the surgery. Up to date I have lost a total of 50 lbs. It sure feels like this is the right fill for me and soon I should be reaching my goal. This is for all…

I can't beleive it, but tomorrow morning, very early, I will be on my way to have my surgery. I'm not too nervous at the moment, but I know it's because I'm doing everything I can to just not think about it. I'm sure I will be a complete basket case tomorrow. Originally when they called me today to give me my surgery time, it was for 1:30 PM, but about an hour later they called to tell me it had changed and I'm now the first one being done tomorrow morning at 7:30 AM. I need to be at the hospital at 6:00. I'm glad I don't have to wait all day. I just want to get this part of it over with and begin my new banded life. Thank you all for the great information. …

I am confused on "restriction" - my doc says get a fill when I no longer have restriction. But what exactly does this mean - restriction as to how much I can it, or how well I can eat? I'm only 2 weeks out and I can eat big bites and not even chew that much (I'm on mushies) and I can eat fast, but I an't eat a large amount so am I restricted or not?

I am seriously thinking about steak. I want some steak. I also want to eat some rice. What did you do? Did you give in? Will it hurt my band? I am getting so tired of the same ole food choices. I am a picky eater for a fat person and some of this stuff I get tired of really fast. I mean MOnday I will be 4 weeks post op. My nutritionist has me going to solids on week 6. I am beginning to think that it is not for the band but to optimize the weight loss or jumpstart it. I am so sick of yogurt and sf jello and I don't like mashed potatos I want some mac n cheese. I really got this band so that it would help me with portion control I don't want to have to diet with it. Certai…

(Say this in your best Mrs. Doubt fire voice.) GOOOOOD MORNINGGGGGGG! Hello everyone! Nice to see you on this super Saturday! I'm here because I need weekend support. I usually do fairly well during the weeks, but weekends turn to a FREE-FOR-ALL. I live in Vegas, so someone is almost always viiting, or I'm working parties, or riding with my motorcycle people. Every single day gives me an excuse to eat crap. Wings, Fingers, Fries, pizza, you name it! So today my challenge is to eat a salad for lunch with oil and vinegar. Lots of Water, and a nice Protein based dinner with veggies and maybe a lil tater. (I just jumped clear off my seat cause Voodoo barked out…

Hola all, I am A patient of Terry Scarbrough in Houston. I have a question.... What does restriction feel like? I am eating really slowly and chewing my mushy very well.... I am hungry and only eat a little when I am hungry. But I ate more than usual yesterday ( a few oz) but I felt like a bottom less pit. I was banded Oct 3rd. Now also when I belch I usually don't eat much after that is that restriction? Also is anyone else from Houston? Elda

But I'd rather ask "stupid" questions, than be stupid by not asking them. 1. Ok so... I've never had surgery before. Not that I remember anyway. When I was 2 they took out my tonsils & adenoids, but that's it. Never had so much as an IV - heck, not even a cavity. So I have no idea what the experience of general anesthesia is like. Can someone describe their experience? (I've had tons of broken bones, stitches once... so local, but never general) 2. From my research I've learned that true vomiting (not PB) can cause band slippage. Anything else? How about things like sit-ups? Or "straining" your abdominal area (you know, sometimes you just have to do that...). …